Posted on: Tuesday 1 July 2025
Pontypool Park will host the annual Cancer Research UK Relay for Life event this weekend.
Twenty teams have signed up to take part in the 24-hour event, which raises vital funds to help in the fight against cancer.
A 28-strong team from Torfaen Council will be taking part for the second year after they raised nearly £7,500 last year.
Team Torfaen captain Nicola Cheshire, a senior information and security analyst at the council’s Shared Resource Centre, said: “Everyone taking part has been touched by cancer in some way, so we’re proud to supporting Cancer Research UK through this challenge.
“We’ve already held supermarket collections and office bake sales, and we’re planning a fundraising event at Talywain Rugby Club in September.”
The relay starts at 11am on Saturday 5 July, with teams taking turns to run, jog or walk themed laps around the park until 11am the following day.
The day will feature entertainment for all ages, with around 50 stalls, and food and drink vendors on site for visitors to enjoy, as well as a dog show, games and music from local talents.
At 9:30pm, the event will pause for a Candle of Hope ceremony at the bandstand where participants will light tealight candles in tribute to anyone affected by cancer.
The candles will then be displayed along the route in bags, which can be purchased from the Relay for Life marquee and decorated in memory of a loved one.
Leanne Powell, Volunteer Event Organiser and Chairperson for Relay for Life, said: "Relay is about creating a cancer community for our area. A group of people who pull together throughout the year for the same cause - to support each other, spread hope and raise funds to beat cancer.
“We welcome everyone in the local community to come along on the day to support and to experience the magic that is Relay”
The Pontypool Park Relay is one of only two relay events in Wales, raising £534,129 since it launched in 2016.
People are encouraged to use public transport or active travel routes to attend the event, but parking is available In Pontypool Park and nearby overflow car park.
For more information about the relay or to make a donation, visit: Relay For Life Pontypool 2025 | Cancer Research UK