A FAMILY who lost a loved one to cancer are preparing to take part in a 24-hour charity relay this weekend.

Sarah Hutchings and her husband Scott will be joining more than 100 other fundraisers to take part in the Relay for Life event for Cancer Research UK.

The event, held across Saturday and Sunday, will see teams of people affected by cancer complete circuits around the clock.

Sarah and Scott, from Wimborne, first formed their relay team after the death of Scott’s father Garry to acute lymphoblastic leukaemia at the age of 50 years old.

Sarah said: “Garry always said to me, that if he had lived, he would have told his story to help others, so I always felt I had to it for him. During his treatment he was on several trials funded by Cancer Research UK which put him in remission and gave us extra time.

“But he was one of the unlucky few with this type of leukaemia who didn’t make it and he would’ve loved Relay for Life, so we do it for him.”

Bournemouth Echo: Sarah's daughter supporting the event. Photo: Elisa MitchellSarah's daughter supporting the event. Photo: Elisa Mitchell

Relay for Life is due to be held at the Chapel Gate sports facility in Christchurch, with the event set to start at 12pm with a survivors’ ‘Lap of Honour’.

The next 24 hours are split across the eight different teams who continue to complete circuits, with those members not on the track able to rest, eat, or sleep in their tents.

The relay will pause once at 10pm for a ‘Candle of Hope’ ceremony where anyone can join to remember loved ones lost to the disease and to celebrate those beating it.

There will also be a variety of stalls onsite, as well as games and music to provide entertainment.

Sarah said: “Doing the relay for 24-hours may make us feel tired for a day or two but people are living with cancer every day so we all want to do something to raise money to support them.”

For more information about Relay For Life in Bournemouth visit cruk.org/relay