Arbroath Relay for Life has received a national award from Cancer Research UK in recognition of its outstanding contribution to the cause.
The charity’s annual Flame of Hope Awards acknowledges remarkable efforts in fundraising and volunteering made by people from all walks of life and those behind the Arbroath event received a special commendation in the Fundraising in the Community 2015 category.
Louise Robertson, Cancer Research regional manager for Scotland, presented the award to Arbroath Relay, led by chairman Ian Angus, at a ceremony at Arbroath Golf Club.
Last year the Arbroath Relay committee set an ambitious fundraising target of £100,000 and a final total of more than £155,000 was announced in October.
A plethora of new exciting fundraising events were created, including a 24-hour relay swim at the local pool finishing in time so swimmers could take part in the closing ceremony at the nearby Arbroath Cricket Club Relay for Life.
The committee also organised sponsored walks in Arbroath and held a spectacular Rat Pack dinner.
One of the more innovative ideas involved the wider Arbroath community; setting up a team called Thunderbirds International for holidaymakers and expats, willing team members in USA, Dubai, Australia, Turkey, Spain and Portugal all walking to raise funds for Relay For Life.
Mr Angus said he was delighted to accept the award on behalf of Relay for Life and paid tribute to the support that the community has given the event over the last eight years and which is still ongoing in 2015.
Dr Harpal Kumar, Cancer Research UK chief executive, said: “Cancer Research UK has made enormous progress in the fight against cancer and has set ambitious plans and aspirations for the future.
“However, progress is only made possible thanks to the dedication and commitment of our volunteers and supporters, without whom we would not be able to fund outstanding scientists, doctors and nurses.
“Our Flame of Hope Awards give us the opportunity to celebrate and say thank you to these enormously generous volunteers and supporters for the fantastic work they do.”
Richard Cowie, Cancer Research UK fundraising manager, said: “These awards are our way of honouring incredible people like Relay for Life Arbroath who give their time freely to raise money for research and promote greater awareness of the disease, and yet ask for nothing in return.
“It’s thanks to the support of the fundraising public and our amazing army of volunteers that we can continue to make a real difference and bring forward the day when all cancers are cured,” added Mr Cowie.