Jarrow fundraising champion urges people to walk in the fight against cancer

Relay for Life organiser Ann Walsh has set a £75,000 fundraising target to help fund vital research into the disease this year.

This year’s event will focus on cancer survivors with South Tyneside schoolboys Charlie Mordey and Harrison Cochrane, both eight, chosen to cut the ribbon to officially start the sponsored relay next month.

Charlie battled his way back to health after being diagnosed with a tumour in his leg at the age of 18-months.

Harrison is currently in remission after being diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma in December 2014.

The Relay for Life is held each year at Monkton Stadium in Jarrow and sees people take part in a sponsored walk around the track, as part of team.

Organiser Ann Walsh said: “This year’s event is very much focused on survivors and we have set a target of raising £75,000 for Cancer Research UK.

“It is a lot of money to raise but we have already passed the half way mark - so we can achieve it.”

She added: “We are upto 53 teams who have signed up to take part. As part of those teams there are 40 cancer survivors.”

The event will start at 11am on July 15 and finish the following morning at 9am.

Throughout the day singers and bands will take to the stage to entertain walkers and visitors. A range of stalls, raffles and tombolas will also be available.

Ann said: “Everyone has a great time at the event whether they are taking part in the walk, or visiting on the day and it also raises a lot of money for Cancer Research UK.

“It’s a real family fun day.”

The event is open to those not taking part in the sponsored walk with free entry.

People are also invited to come along and light a candle in memory of a loved one which will be placed along the trackside in a Candle of Hope ceremony held at 10pm on Saturday.

There is still time for people to enter a team.

For information visit Relay for Life-Cancer Research UK-Jarrow on Facebook.