Cancer Research UK fundraiser Relay for Life to take place in Nowton Park in Bury St Edmunds this July

The Relay for Life takes places in Bury St Edmunds between July 1 and July 2 – and registrations are still open for supporters and cancer survivors to take part.

The mass walking event is a highlight of the local charity calendar.

It kicks off at 12pm on July 1 at Nowton Park, with the first lap being walked by cancer survivors.

They will then be followed by all other registered teams over the next 24 hours.

Between 9pm and 10pm, part of this overnight marathon will be dedicated to a ‘Candle of Hope’ service of remembrance.

Of this, the Relay for Life’s co-chair, David Cianciola, said: “As dusk falls, we will briefly stop our walking whilst we listen to a cancer survivor share the story of their cancer journey and hear some poems and songs, before resuming our walking on the track, which will then be illuminated with candle bags that have been dedicated with a message of hope or a dedication for the life of a lost loved one.”

July 2 will be given over to an all-community event.

Mr Cianciola said: “Themed fun laps will take place throughout the day, and live entertainment will be performed on stage.

“Our free event is open for the public to visit, so anyone is welcome to bring a blanket, come and enjoy the sunshine – we hope – buy a drink from our licensed bar or a freshly-cooked burger, and help us to support essential research so that, one day, we can say cancer is a thing of the past.”

To register a team for the relay, visit Cancer Research UK's dedicated website.