Men, women and children whose lives have been touched by cancer are being invited to play a key role in a relay fundraiser.

The Relay for Life charity is calling on people who have survived cancer, and others who are currently undergoing treatment, to join a ‘Lap of Honour’ to mark the start of the overnight fundraising festival.

Teams of eight to 15 people will part in the event, which is being held at the Bannister Sports Centre, in Uxbridge Road, over the weekend of Saturday, September 5 and Sunday, September 6.

Participants raise as much money as possible in the months leading up to the overnight celebration, through a wide range of activities from karaoke competitions to coffee mornings, supermarket bag-packs to charity balls, and securing donations from friends, family and work colleagues.

During Relay for Life, team members take it in turns to walk round a track while everyone else enjoys the carnival atmosphere.

As the relay continues non-stop through the night, team members not on the track take turns to rest, eat, or sleep in tents, which are set up close by.

Richard Haywood, volunteer chairman of Relay for Life in Harrow, said: “The Survivors’ Lap of Honour is a crucial part of Relay For Life. It is a moving start to the weekend’s festivities as people of all ages, wearing special T-shirts bearing the word ‘Survivor’, step on to the track cheered on by all present.

“The Survivor’s Lap allows us to honour everyone who has experienced cancer and celebrate the strides that are being made to beat the disease.”

A wide range of fun activities are also open to the whole community and everyone is welcome to come along on the day and help raise further funds for Cancer Research UK.

Mr Haywood added: “We would love to hear from anyone who wants to take part in the Survivors’ Lap of Honour or who wants to enter a team in Relay For Life. This is a unique event and everyone can play a part.

“With the help of people in Harrow we can accelerate our progress against this devastating disease.”

For more information about Relay For Life in Harrow and how to get involved, visit cruk.org/relay or call 0871 641 2602.