Isle of Man relay walk aims to raise thousands

Candles are lit at the event to remember those affected by cancer

Organisers of the Isle of Man Relay for Life event 2011 are aiming to raise thousands of pounds to help cancer sufferers across the British Isles.

Over the past two years the 24-hour walking challenge at the National Sports Centre has raised nearly £90,000 for Cancer Research UK.

The event gets underway at 12:00 BST on 25 August and continues into Sunday.

A ceremony dedicated to those affected by cancer will be held at dusk when candles will be lit around the track.

Chair of the volunteer committee, Gaynor Haxby, said there is always a great community spirit involved at the event.

"Everyone has been touched by cancer in some way either directly or a loved one so there is a real sense of shared experience," she said.

"During the Candle of Hope Ceremony, there is a quiet time when people remember those they have lost to cancer - there is also a sense of celebration inspired by the cancer survivors who show that this horrible disease can be beaten and of knowing that the money we are raising is helping more and more people to survive."