Candle of Hope Weekend to Kickstart Relay for Life fundraising Campaign
THE upcoming Candle of Hope weekend is set to kickstart this year’s fundraising efforts for the inaugural Tipperary Relay for Life challenge.
On Friday 17th and Saturday 18th of June next in Tesco, Nenagh the Candle of Hope committee will aim to heighten awareness of the Tipperary Relay for Life event and the ongoing efforts in the fight against cancer.
On both days members of the public will be given the opportunity to dedicate a Candle of Hope in remembrance or celebration of your loved one(s) with all donations going to the Irish Cancer Society/Relay for Life Tipperary. Each dedication will cost just €5.
The Relay for Life challenge is a fundraising event aimed at raising much needed funds for the Irish Cancer Society, with the first ever challenge to take on August 27th and 28th in Toomevara GAA grounds.
Without doubt one of the highlights and most moving elements of the Relay event, is the Candle of Hope ceremony which takes place at dusk on the first evening of the Relay. As dusk approaches the candles are set around the track and lit by participants.
The Candle of Hope ceremony is a symbol of remembrance for all those family members and friends lost to cancer, and a symbol of hope for those living with cancer. Preparations are very much underway for this year’s Relay for Life challenge but there are still more teams needed to participate.
Teams of friends, neighbours families and colleagues can come together in groups of 8-20 people and commit to keeping a participant walking around the Relay course for the 24 hours of the event.
All members of a team do not have to be present for 24 hours, only to give up a small portion of their time for a period of the 24 hours.
In addition, over the 24 hours hundreds of other activities take place to create a wonderfully festive atmosphere, with local bands and organisations all lending a helping hand.
The event kicks off with a ‘Survivors’ Lap which is an inspirational start to the event where cancer survivors of all ages are invited to begin the relay by walking the first lap of the course, cheered on by family, friends and teams from the community who have come together to celebrate. If you are a cancer survivor and would like to take part in the ‘Survivors’ Lap, you are welcome to register your interest with us at the stand in Tesco.
Further information will be available at the Candle of Hope stand in Tesco on Fri/Sat 17th/18th June or from any members of the local Relay for Life organising committee. Contact 1850 60 60 60 or online at www.cancer.ie.ortipperaryrelayforlife @gmail.com for further information.