About Relay For Life
Learn about our community event and how we're fighting cancer together
What is Relay For Life?
Relay For Life is a team fundraising event where team members take turns walking around a track or path. Each event is 24 hours in length, symbolizing the fact that cancer never sleeps. Teams are asked to have at least one participant on the track at all times to show our community that cancer never sleeps.
Relay For Life is the largest fundraising event for cancer in the world. Relay is staffed and coordinated by volunteers in thousands of communities across 27 countries, with the aim of bringing communities together to recognize and celebrate those who have experienced cancer.
Our Mission
The Relay For Life movement is dedicated to helping communities attack cancer from every angle. We aim to celebrate people who have been touched by cancer, remember loved ones lost, and take action for lifesaving change.
Funds raised through Relay For Life directly support breakthrough research, 24/7 support for cancer patients, access to lifesaving screenings, and much more.
The Three Key Elements of Relay
Celebrate
We celebrate cancer survivors and those who support them throughout the cancer journey. The Survivors Lap and the Survivors and Caregivers Reception highlight the hope that cancer survivors provide to others.
Remember
The Luminaria Ceremony is held after dark to remember people we have lost to cancer, to support people who currently have cancer, and to honor people who have fought cancer in the past. The ceremony of light symbolizes the hope and perseverance that we all share.
Fight Back
The Fight Back Ceremony symbolizes the emotional commitment we each make to the fight against cancer. The action taken symbolizes what we are willing to do for ourselves, for our loved ones, and for our community to fight cancer year-round and to commit to saving lives.
About Relay For Life Rossendale
Relay For Life Rossendale brings together our local community to celebrate cancer survivors, remember those we've lost, and fight back against this disease. Our event takes place annually at Marl Pits, Rossendale and features entertainment, activities, and ceremonies throughout the 24-hour period.
Since our first event, we have raised thousands of pounds for Cancer Research UK, directly funding groundbreaking research that saves lives. Our dedicated volunteers, team captains, and committee members work tirelessly throughout the year to make Relay For Life Rossendale a success.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I participate in Relay For Life?
You can register as a team captain to create a team, join an existing team, or register as an individual. You can also volunteer to help organize and run the event or simply make a donation to support our cause.
Does my whole team have to stay for the full 24 hours?
No, not every team member needs to be present for the full 24 hours. Teams are encouraged to have at least one member walking the track at all times, but members can rotate and come and go as needed. Many participants choose to camp overnight at the event site.
What happens during a Relay For Life event?
Relay For Life includes opening ceremonies, a Survivors Lap, team fundraising activities, music and entertainment, the moving Luminaria Ceremony, closing ceremonies, and of course, the continuous relay around the track. Each event is unique but includes these core elements.
How does the money I raise help fight cancer?
Funds raised through Relay For Life support Cancer Research UK's work to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer. This includes funding innovative research, supporting clinical trials, providing information and support to patients and families, and advocating for effective cancer policies.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Join Relay For Life Rossendale and help us fight cancer together. Whether you participate as a team member, volunteer, or donor, your support makes a vital difference.