Fund-raisers take the fight to cancer in Relay for Life Bury St Edmunds at Nowton Park

Fund-raisers are taking the fight to cancer in a 24-hour relay.

The Cancer Research UK Relay for Life Bury St Edmunds started at noon at Nowton Park, with 303 people registered as part of 14 teams walking laps around a track until tomorrow.

Cancer survivors took the first lap, with 86 signed up, and a Candle of Hope Ceremony at 9pm will remember loved ones and honour those still with us.

David Cianciola, co-event chair of the event with Matt Darkins, said: “It’s going very well. It’s coming together to raise awareness of cancer, help survivors and celebrate survivorship.

“Everybody here is of the same mind to do what they can to continue the fight.”

The event has generated about £22,000 so far with teams having fund-raised in the run up.

Relay for Life Bury St Edmunds has amassed more than £500,000 since it launched in the grounds of British Sugar in 2009.

Among those taking part are the 10-member Under the Stars team, with the majority from Bury St Edmunds and two from Haverhill.

Spokesperson Pamela Darkins, who is the Candle of Hope chair, said: “I think most people have either lost someone or know someone who is going through cancer.

“We call today a rollercoaster. It starts off with the survivors’ lap and the Candle of Hope is the most emotional part of the relay.”

The ceremony features 1,000 candle bags.

During the event there are themed laps including bubbles, healthy living, YMCA, movie night, Christmas, umbrellas and glow in the dark.

The Watt a Day team featured 15 colleagues from electricity firm Smartest Energy, in Ipswich, who had already raised about £3,300.

Zoe Bendall, 36, of Stowmarket, said: “I’ve done it before and we’ve got a lot of colleagues with personal connections with Cancer Research. We were really keen to raise as much money as we could and it’s a really good team building exercise.”

Among the team was survivor Jane Garvin, 61, of Ipswich, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018 and is in remission.

She said: “It’s giving something back for the treatment I had and the more research that can be done will help everyone else in the future.”

Majorette troupe Fire and Ice, from Haverhill, formed team Sole Mates.

Hannah Leach, 23, of Haverhill, said: “We did a year performing and really enjoyed the atmosphere and last year we decided to take part in it.

“This is our second year as a team doing it. We’re performing today. It’s such a great experience, so emotional and for such a great cause.”

To donate, visit justgiving.com/campaign/relayforlife-burystedmunds2025