Date set for Stourbridge's Relay for Life (From Stourbridge News)

Date set for Stourbridge's Relay for Life

2:39pm Tuesday 25th November 2008 in Local

A DATE has been set for Stourbridge’s first ever Relay For Life event in aid of Cancer Research.

Charity volunteer, Ian Tucker has been organising the festival which will be an all night- 24 hour bash to help raise money to help cancer sufferers.

The event will take place at Pedmore Technology College on Saturday June 27 and Sunday June 28.

Ian Tucker said " Upon meeting the Headmaster, Mr Kemp and his team we instantly knew that Pedmore Technology college would be a fantastic venue, the children have already embraced the event and will be an integral part of it's success".

Ian is now appealing for volunteers to come forward to help give the event a party atmosphere.

Relay for Life is an inspirational community-led event that celebrates those who survive cancer and pays tribute to those who are touched by it.

It can involve many things such as a walking event, a party, a concert, a big day out, but most of all, it brings local communities together to help beat cancer.

The idea behind the relay is teams of people from all section of the community take turns to walk around a track in a relay formation.

Ian added: “There is a Relay for Life in Birmingham but this will be the first ever one to happen in the Black Country, It is going to be a massive event.

“We are appealing for teams to enter and the only criteria is that there is one member of the team on the track at all times.

Ian was inspired to help organise the event due to his father being diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2005.

He added: “It was a difficult time but thankfully he is in remission now.

“He had a lot of help at that time and it made me think that I wanted to do something to give something back.”

Headteacher David Kemp added: "Our students really support this event. They feel so many families are touched by this disease and they want to help".

"Relay for Life differs from many other charity events in that it is totally volunteer led, we now require anyone from within the local community who would like to volunteer to help us make it a success.

“Cancer will touch everyone at some point in there lives this is a chance to show your support and make a difference.

“There is a volunteer role to suit everyone and giving just a small amount of your time will be inspirational and very rewarding."

For more information or to volunteer contact Ian Tucker on 07948360061 or email ianrtucker@hotmail.co.uk.or go towww.cancerresearchuk.org/relay/.