What is Relay For Life?
Relay For Life is the biggest cancer fundraising initiative in the world. The Irish Cancer Society is a proud Global partner alongside 35 other countries that host these special events.
Relay For Life is a 24-hour event that sees local communities coming together to celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost to cancer, and stand shoulder to shoulder with those facing cancer.
The event helps to raise awareness of the services provided by the Irish Cancer Society and raises much needed funds to support life-saving cancer research and free services for cancer patients and their loved ones.
Relay has something to offer everyone, so please do join us. It is a free event and everyone is welcome.
What Happens at Relay?
Cancer never sleeps, so nor do our Relay teams. In this 24 hour event teams join together to walk through the day and night. Members of teams take it in turns to walk a designated distance or time, with someone from the team being on the move at all times in the 24 hour period.
When not walking, members of the teams, and their friends, families and colleagues socialise, enjoy live entertainment and take part in activities arranged by their committee.
There is also a Candle of Hope ceremony, where hundreds of candle bags that have been personalised with messages of hope and remembrance are lit during a moving ceremony involving music and speeches.
Anyone can purchase a Candle of Hope bag for a small donation, see your local Relay Page to find out more
The Survivors’ Lap & Experience
We invite all of our Survivors who have lived or are living with cancer for a special lap. An emotional reminder that there is hope.
Team Fundraising & Participation
Members of teams take it in turns to walk the track, with someone from the team being on the track at all times in the 24-hour period while the rest of the team are fundraising at their team tent.
Candle of Hope Ceremony
Taking place at dusk, hundreds or even thousands of flickering candles are placed in personalised candle bags with names, pictures, poems and messages which light up the night sky in a moving tribute to those we have loved and lost to cancer.
