CANDLES will be lit in a celebration of life and hope at a cancer fundraiser.

Runners will take to the track at Bannister Sports Centre, Uxbridge Road on Saturday, September 5 to take part in this year’s annual overnight Race for Life fundraiser for Cancer Research UK.

As dusk falls on the first night of the event, the specially made Candle of Hope bags, decorated with touching messages – in memory or in celebration of loved ones - are filled with sand and lit up with candles around the track and glow long into the evening.

Candles are often placed to spell out the word ‘Hope’ and symbolise the heart-felt emotion of everyone who takes part in Relay For Life and supports Cancer Research UK’s life-saving research.

Richard Haywood, Relay for Life Harrow chairman, said: “Cancer Research UK doesn’t receive any government funding for its research so every step we make towards beating cancer relies on every pound, every hour and every person.

“The Candle of Hope ceremony is incredibly moving and highlights the real reason everyone joins together for Relay for Life.

“We believe that united we are stronger than cancer.”

Everyone is welcome to join the festivities and take part in the Candle of Hope ceremony, which will take place at 9pm on Saturday, September 5.

Anyone who cannot attend in person but still wants to dedicate a candle and make a donation can do so via the website at cruk.org/relay.