MORE than 300 registered team members and 40-plus cancer survivors are gearing themselves up for the eighth annual Cancer Research UK event, Relay For Life, at Whitecross Leisure Centre on Saturday.

The family community event involves teams of people of all ages coming together to celebrate life and the many months of fund-raising prior to the event itself.

"Relay For Life is different, it's not a sponsored, turn up and take part event, it's a real 'belonging', a chance for local people of all ages to unite and to celebrate, remember those lost to cancer, bring hope for the future to those currently on their cancer journey, and to fight back against cancer with many forms of cancer awareness messaging and information on healthy lifestyles," says organiser Lynne Garner.

"The weekend will be an absolute riot of fancy dress and colour as the teams bring their themes to life, making it an event to be proud of, packed full of activities for the teams, but also for on the day visitors."

The opening ceremony begins at 11.45am, with the 'Inspirational Survivors' lap at noon.

"Many local people and businesses regularly contribute to this event in many different ways, ensuring that costs are kept to an absolute minimum, and the volunteer committee would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all those involved in helping in this way," says Lynne.

Volunteer event chair Neil Garner said: "The success of this event relies on the good nature of many people – those who are willing to give up their time to raise essential funds in many different ways and then give up a whole weekend to walk, and those who give what they can in the form of sponsorship, performances, gifts in kind and so on.

"We owe the phenomenal success of this event over the past seven years to so many who are truly doing something amazing and really making a difference in the battle to beat cancer."

The Candle of Hope ceremony takes place at dusk (approximately 9.30pm) and the general public are invited to dedicate a candle to burn through the night in remembrance of a loved one lost to cancer or in celebration of someone who has survived. This year, The Coalway Singers will perform at the ceremony.

It's still not too late to join an existing team and take part, or make a donation to the event itself – registration will be open until Friday (June 29). Visit http://www.forestofdeanrelay.org">www.forestofdeanrelay.org or call Neil/Lynne on 01594 845773 or 07918619222 for more information.