Relay for Life 2007
On 21 July 2007 a hardy group of Nottingham Soroptimists gathered at the Harvey Haddon Stadium in Nottingham to take part in a 24 hour walking relay in aid of Cancer Research UK. On Saturday it rained and rained and rained but we kept walking. Overnight the rain stopped and on Sunday the sun shone.
So what was the event like … this is what the participants said:
“It was a very moving experience, and the feeling of togetherness was quite something. Everyone supporting each other, there were obviously groups there that have even more personal reasons for being there than us, and I felt privileged to be part of their dedication to ones they love and had lost.
The Candle Ceremony was a very apt way of remembering family and friends who tragically had lost their battle with this as yet incurable disease. Finding a cure is what the week-end “relay” (really excuse the pun) was all about – being able to fund research - while dedicating our thoughts and efforts to what is important to each individual.
The first lap for survivors was again a very touching experience and as they progressed round I wondered what they had all had to suffer to get this far and it made me realise how lucky I am.
The final lap was also great, everyone there was on the track, parading round in the “Sunshine” Again very emotional. And we did it. Tired and a little worse for wear and in need of a long soak, but it was well worth it. We calculated that over the 24 hours we had all done the equivalent of a marathon - (not bad for an OAP!!)
On a more positive note, I thought our team worked very well together, sharing all our goodies, eating and drinking as we all do well and supporting each other. In spite of the rain, our spirits and anyone else’s, could not be dampened and we all succeeded and should be very proud of ours and others efforts.
The banner was displayed and carried. This definitely enhanced our profile, and many people asked “What is a Soroptimist?” Maybe we will have advertised ourselves again and get some positive publicity.
For those Sorops unable to join us, they all supported us with sponsorship and their good wishes. Thanks everyone very much. It truly was a memorable, enjoyable experience. I would certainly do it again. Thanks Viv and Robert for the 4 star accommodation.”
“A great big thank you to all who took part in this event. It was a fantastic team effort, and I include in this the husbands and friends. The breakfasts - John what can I say - definitely made surviving a sleepless night viable! Chip butties will always now remind me of rain and how wonderful it was to see Brian arrive.
We all had our moments. I was so relieved to see Sue & Mike at 3.00 Sunday am. It was a 24 hours of sharing - not only companionship, food and drink, but also the incredibly moving experiences the Relay gave. The first lap, the Candle ceremony, the last lap - all poignant in their different ways. It made the adversity of walking through wind and rain with little sleep, insignificant.
I felt everyone in the Club was behind us. The best wishes and sponsorship that we received certainly spurred me on. So once more - THANK YOU. Another first for the Club, but I think not the last.”
“We started in the dark and watched the dawn gradually lighten the clouds, until a lovely day appeared - magic.”
“Just to say what a wonderful experience had at the weekend – I am still buzzing. Have spoken to lots of people who tells me they would have taken part if only they had known about it. Well I have told them the date for next years”
“The highlights were the chips arriving courtesy of helens husband….most gratefull! The candle ceremony was very moving as were the words HOPE and CURE spelt out along the side of the track.
There was a real sense of community. We spoke to many of the other participants and heard many moving stories…so many peoples lives are touched by this and yet they were all there celebrating the lives of those they loved.
I think the 24 hour - cancer never sleeps - idea was brilliant and hopefully the event will gather support as it moves into its 3 year.
I was really proud to be a part of it…and it was nice to do something with the Soroptimists …to be actually involved in doing something tangible.”