Arbroath Relay for Life organisers suffered a bittersweet weekend after rough weather forced an early end to the event on safety grounds.
Despite the disappointment of the dawn decision as the town’s cricket ground was lashed by heavy rain and high winds, the early total from the Cancer Research UK fundraiser has smashed through the £50,000 barrier.
A total of 17 participating teams and hundreds of visitors had enjoyed a gala start on Saturday morning.
Among the many taking part was Arbroath gran Norma McAra, who gave an emotional address during the traditional Candle of Hope ceremony around 9pm, as the weather began to close in.
Arbroath Relay chair Ian Angus said: “Of course we are disappointed that we had to take the decision to end the event early, but it was a great atmosphere throughout and everyone taking part was determined to keep going.
“The interim total is £53,410 and this will grow, which is another fantastic effort.
“Everyone agreed that the weather also happened the right way round – we had an amazing gala atmosphere in the sunshine on Saturday before the rain arrived.
“We had a lot of rain just before the Candle of Hope ceremony at 9pm, but it let off a bit and everyone was very determined to get going into the night.
“But by around two in the morning it was driving rain and we started to become concerned about flying objects and the ground conditions for those taking part.
“There was a feeling of an anti-climax because the end of the relay is always a very special and emotional time for everyone involved, but the spirit which the teams show throughout the event typifies the support we have always enjoyed.
“We had someone here from Australia and representatives of the Peterhead, Turriff and Dundee relays as well as senior Cancer Research UK figures from both north and south of the border and we did our best to give everyone a good Angus welcome.
“I can only thank everyone who supported this year’s Relay, and already many of them are expressing their determination to be back next year,” said Mr Angus.
