My parents, brother-in-law and several friends sadly died of cancer in one form or another, so when my friend Helen, a cancer survivor, asked if I would be interested in taking part in Relay for Life around 14 years ago, I said I would. I didn't realise I would still be involved all these years later. I also have many friends who have had cancer, been treated and are now living life to the full. It is those success stories which keep me going. 

I don't like asking for sponsorship money, so instead, as many of you know, I make jam and chutney, from which all the profits go into the Relay kitty. I also knit and sew things for my friends (and their friends!) from which 20% of the profits goes into the Relay kitty. 

I don't know how much I've raised over the years, but it goes into the 10s of thousands of pounds. I should really start keeping track!  I like Relay For Life because it celebrates the power of community fundraising to make breakthroughs happen. The idea is that we fundraise throughout the year, then we unite as a collective at a weekend-long festival, this year on 13th/14th July (it's always Wimbledon finals weekend!🙄) to honour everyone affected by cancer and celebrate the progress we’re making. Together, we remember loved ones and celebrate the tomorrow’s made possible. Together we are beating cancer. 

This year, Jarrow Relay will reach £1,000,000! All that money goes towards research in our region, another reason why I love Relay. Every year one of the researchers from Newcastle University comes to talk to us about all the advances that have been made in the last year. It always blows me away about what is achievable now. I'm proud to play a small part in those achievements, with the help of my loyal friends!

How does the money we raise make a difference? When we fundraise for Relay For Life, we fund long-term research. And when we fund long-term research, we make more discoveries. Over time, these discoveries make giant strides towards a world where everyone lives longer, better lives free from the fear of cancer. I'd better get back to the jam pan! Thank you all. 

Linda
xx