02-07-2025
Relay for Life returns to Pontypool Park this weekend
Relay For Life will return to Pontypool Park on Saturday, July 5, to raise money for Cancer Research UK.
20 teams are taking part in the overnight challenge, including a 28-strong team from Torfaen Council, who raised nearly £7,500 at last year's event.
Nicola Cheshire, team captain and senior information and security analyst at the council's Shared Resource Centre, said: "Everyone taking part has been touched by cancer in some way, so we're proud to be supporting Cancer Research UK through this challenge."
Ms Cheshire said the team has already held supermarket collections and office bake sales and will host a fundraising event at Talywain Rugby Club in September.
The relay begins at 11am on Saturday, July 5, with teams running, jogging, or walking themed laps around the park until 11am the following day.
The event will also feature entertainment for all ages, including 50 stalls, food and drink vendors, a dog show, games, and live music.
A Candle of Hope ceremony will take place at 9.30pm at the bandstand, where participants will light tealight candles in tribute to those affected by cancer.
Leanne Powell, volunteer organiser and chairperson of Relay for Life, said: "Relay is about creating a cancer community for our area.
"A group of people who pull together throughout the year for the same cause – to support each other, spread hope and raise funds to beat cancer.
"We welcome everyone in the local community to come along on the day to support and to experience the magic that is Relay."
Relay For Life in Pontypool is one of only two such events in Wales and has raised more than £534,000 since 2016.
Parking is available at Pontypool Park and in nearby overflow car parks.
