Hats off to Ferndown relay runners (From Bournemouth Echo)

Hats off to Ferndown relay runners

8:00am Monday 19th July 2010 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
• Comments(0)

SIXTY cancer survivors provided a symbol of hope when they opened the Daily Echo-backed Ferndown Relay For Life on Saturday.

Aged from seven to 91, those diagnosed with the disease completed a “survivors’ lap” to mark the launch of the major fundraising event.

Among those taking part were Sally Mullins, 44, from Longham, who made fundraising a real family affair.

Her team-mates on the 24-hour walkathon around the athletics track behind Ferndown leisure centre included her parents, husband and children.

The mum-of-two, who is in remission after treatment for a sarcoma on her right knee, called on three generations of her family to put together the Sally’s Sunflowers team.

Sally said: “The whole purpose of Relay for Life is to give people hope. I’m a bright and bubbly person and hopefully seeing me charging around in my survivors’ T-shirt will have inspired them.”

More than 500 team members entered this year’s event, hoping to match the £66,000 raised for Cancer Research last year.

A poignant Candle of Hope ceremony was held on Saturday night with dedications to those lost to cancer and those who have beaten the disease.

Fiona Moorey, one of the organisers, said yesterday: “It was a really good weekend and everyone made it really special.

“I believe we raised in excess of £50,000, which is a great total considering the changes this year.

“Thanks to everyone who helped to make this a great weekend for us.”

The Zero to Hero team won the Charlotte Read Shining Star Award, an honour in memory of the Ferndown teenager who lost her battle with cancer in February 2008.