FUNDRAISERS are being urged to sign up for a 24-hour challenge to raise cash to fight cancer.

Cancer Research UK is encouraging friends, family and work colleagues to get together and enter Southend’s Relay For Life.

Teams of between eight to 15 people, of all ages, levels of fitness and from all walks of life are needed to take part in the eighth event on July 30 and 31 this year.

Participants are asked to raise as much money as possible in the months leading up to the relay through a wide range of fundraising activities and securing donations from friends, families and work colleagues.

On the weekend itself, team members take it in turns to walk round a track while everyone else enjoys a wide range of fun activities on offer.

Amanda Gray, volunteer team chairman of Cancer Research UK’s Relay For Life in Southend, said: “Relay For Life is a great way to spend time with your friends, family and colleagues while raising money for a truly worthwhile cause.”

As Relay For Life is non-stop through the night, team members not on the track can take turns to rest, eat, or sleep in their tents which are set up close by.

As dusk falls, the atmosphere quietens as the Candle of Hope ceremony begins. The event is the most poignant part of Relay For Life when specially made Candle of Hope bags - decorated with touching messages in memory or in celebration of loved ones - are filled with sand and lit up with candles around the track.

Amanda added: “More than one in three people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some stage in their lives. Taking part in Relay For Life is about being part of a community united in the belief that it can make a difference and help beat cancer.”

Money raised through Relay For Life funds the work of thousands of scientists, doctors and nurses who are dedicated to saving more lives by preventing, controlling and curing all cancers.