AN EPIC fundraising event held in 22 countries across the world is now coming to York.

Cancer Research UK’s Relay For Life will take place in the city for the first time this summer, as dozens of fundraisers come together for an all-night festival.

Team members will camp overnight at York Racecourse and take it in turns to walk, run, skip or crawl laps of Knavesmire during a 24-hour relay.

Entries are now open to take part in the event on July 4 and 5 – with a special call-out to cancer patients and survivors, who will join together for an opening lap of honour.

A Candle Of Hope ceremony will mark the stroke of midnight, as bags – each bearing a personal message written in memory or in celebration of a loved one – will be placed around the track with candles inside them.

Event organiser Emily Court said: “Relay For Life is the world’s largest fundraising event and there’s now one taking place on your doorstep.

“We want to celebrate life and pay tribute to those who have coped with cancer, but just as equally to remember loved ones who have passed away.”

To make the event a success, organisers need a willing band of fundraisers from all walks of life to sign up and help create a real party atmosphere.

Emily said she hoped at least 15 teams would sign up for the event and raise about £15,000 for Cancer Research UK.

Relay For Life was inspired 20 years ago when Dr Gordon Klatt ran and walked around a track for 24 hours to raise funds for the American Cancer Society in honour of his cancer patients.

Since then, the idea has been embraced by 22 countries and has raised $1.5 billion.

Teams typically consist of between eight and 15 people, who will all work together to raise as much money as they can for Cancer Research UK.

Emily said: “Relay For Life isn’t just a walk or a fundraising event, it’s much more than that.

“It’s an all-night festival and a time for personal remembrance.

To enter the race, or for more information, log on to cancerresearchuk.org/relay, or phone Emily on 07967 405525.

A team captain must register first, paying a fee of £15, followed by team-members who must also pay £15 each, or £5 for under-16s.

Volunteers are also needed to organise and recruit teams, seek community support, find refreshments and prizes, plan entertainment and lend their support.


Places available for Jane’s run

ENTRIES are also still open for Jane Tomlinson’s York 10K run, which will take place on August 2 in memory of the heroic charity fundraiser.

Nearly a quarter of the places for the Run For All event have already been snapped up – only days after it was launched.

The run, which has 5,000 places, will be a sister event to the hugely successful Leeds 10k – which Jane established before her death in 2007.

To enter Jane Tomlinson’s York 10K 2009, or to volunteer for the event, visit runforall.com.

Alternatively, you can access the website through The Press’s website at thepress.co.uk/10k