Cancer survivors took part in a fun-filled 24-hour emotional rollercoaster in Arbroath at the weekend.
Arbroath Relay for Life, which has raised over £1 million for Cancer Research UK in the past 13 years, took place on Saturday and Sunday at Arbroath United Cricket Club.
Weary walkers celebrated on Sunday after the £23,128 total was revealed but the amount could be even higher with more money still to come in.
Relay chairman Ian Angus said they were extremely grateful to the many local businesses, organisations and individuals who sponsored, gave up their time, loaned resources, donated money and helped in so many ways.
As always, one of the main highlights was the Candle of Hope ceremony held on Saturday evening when competitors lit a candle in memory or support of someone who has been afflicted by cancer.
Mr Angus said: “There is nothing like Relay and it’s something you have to experience for yourself in order to fully appreciate how special it is.
“There is such a tangible feeling of togetherness and of common purpose.
“On a personal level there is an imperative to give something back because without the work of CRUK and the wonderful oncology department at Ninewells there would be a huge void at the heart of our family right now.”
Mr Angus dedicated more than 30 candle bags on Saturday “for family, friends and work colleagues taken from this life by that dreadful disease”.
He said: “Having been deeply involved in the community one way or another for longer than I care to remember, Relay is the most deeply meaningful thing I have been a part of.
“Relay has helped me come to terms with the way cancer has touched my life and some of the people closest to me.
“As a dour Scotsman, relay has given me permission to shed a year or two in public.
“It unites our community in the fightback against cancer.”
There was also a children’s party on Saturday afternoon at the weekend event including a bouncy castle which was open to everyone.
Mr Angus said the entire weekend was a “rollercoaster of emotions” but they are already looking ahead to next year.
Mr Angus said: “While planning for one relay is under way we always have an eye to the following year and once one relay finishes, planning for the following year begins in earnest.
“Cancer never sleeps so neither do we.”
