About Relay

Relay teams waving to the camera

"Relay brings the community together, it brings people from all walks of life, all backgrounds, and it really does make a difference."
Myles Godfrey, Area Volunteer Manager

Fun, friendship and fundraising are at the heart of Relay For Life.

Relay brings your local community together

Local teams of friends, family, neighbours and colleagues fundraise within their local communities throughout the year, raising all they can for the life-saving work of Cancer Research UK.

Everyone then gets together for an inspiring overnight event of celebration and commemoration that the whole community can be part of.

Find out more about how a Relay happens and the different ways you can get involved.

On the day of the Relay

At the event everyone gathers at their local race track, park or sports field and take turns walking laps. Each team tries to keep at least one member on the track at all times, whilst all around them a party is in full swing.

Every Relay For Life lasts 12 to 24 hours, runs overnight and includes a Survivors' Lap of Honour and a moving Candle of Hope ceremony.

Find out more about what happens on the day of the Relay.

Find out more about this unique charity event

Relay For Life connects you with your community and pays tribute to those in your area who have been affected by cancer. Find out more about why Relay is such a special event:

Find a Relay near you

Whether you'd like to enter a team or just be there on the day, your local Relay would love to see you! Find your nearest Relay now.

Organise a Relay in your community

You can make a real difference to your community by organising a Relay For Life. It's a great opportunity to do something positive for others, whilst meeting new people and developing useful leadership and organisational skills.