Every bag has a name. Every name has a story.

Relay President Stéphanie Lambin's reaction said it all: "It's crazy. It's unimaginable."

Among the survivors who took part was Nathalie Zorna, a breast cancer survivor, who said: "I want to remind everyone that it's important to get screened. For me, all this support gave me strength for something that, at the outset, could not be cured. I will certainly be in treatment for the rest of my life, but it's important for me to be able to say that life is offering me a chance. You no longer see life in the same way at all, and I can only applaud all this solidarity. I want to pass on to everyone still fighting that hope is there, and that love is the most beautiful treatment. You have to believe."

Congratulations to the Bastogne organising committee, the Foundation Against Cancer, and everyone who showed up. This was a first Relay that Bastogne won't forget.

In late 2025, three University of Northern British Columbia students, Victoria Bleeker, Maleen Barry and Zoe Younghusband, took up the challenge to restart it, and #RevivetheRelay began trending locally.

In 2026 the Relay came back. More than 300 participants representing 52 teams took part, walking around the track and raising a total of $100,360, more than double the organising committee's original goal.

The Relay was organised by a group of 115 volunteers, made up mainly of university students, supported by an executive organising committee. Together they revived the event and reintroduced many of the traditions that made the Relay memorable.

The opening ceremony served as a reminder that Relay For Life is about more than fundraising. It is also an opportunity to celebrate survivors, remember loved ones lost to cancer and support those currently undergoing treatment.

One of the most visible displays was the Banner of Hope, featuring the names of loved ones affected by cancer. Attendees could write names and messages, creating a powerful visual reminder that cancer affects everyone. Another returning feature was Memory Lane, where participants posted photographs and shared memories of family members and friends affected by cancer.

For survivors, caregivers and families, the event offered a chance to come together. For organisers, volunteers and sponsors, it reflected what can happen when a community rallies behind a shared goal.

Birthe had the company of nine other participants on the hike, turning the day into a blend of nature, laughter and shared purpose. Even those who couldn't be there in person showed their support by donating, making the effort feel truly collective and uplifting.

The combination of walking, community and a good cause is at the heart of Birthe's initiative. She especially highlights the incredible support from fellow participants and the generosity of sponsors, noting that their contributions not only strengthened the fundraising total but also helped create a truly meaningful and memorable experience.

Recently, students from a school in Lepaera decided to turn that commitment into action. They organised a parade through the streets of their community. Along the route, they collected money in large containers, inviting local residents to make a donation. Every contribution, no matter the size, represented hope for those facing cancer, and showed that when a community unites, it can achieve great things.

Another group of students, from a remote community in Lepaterique, travelled to the centre to make a donation in person. Relay For Life in Honduras was extremely grateful for this support, which shows how far people, often with limited resources, will travel to support the cause. It reminds us that helping doesn't require having a lot; it requires having the will and the heart.

The appeal is inspired by singer Daniel O'Donnell's line "there's always a kettle on the boil" from the song Our House is a Home. The campaign encourages people to boil the kettle, invite people to share a cup of tea, have a conversation and make a donation.

Tea parties can take place anywhere: at home, in schools, workplaces, cafes or sports clubs, or even virtually with friends and family across the globe.

Funds raised support life-changing services provided by the Irish Cancer Society, including free cancer support lines, counselling, night nursing care, transport to treatment, cancer research and advocacy.

Relay For Life Donegal 2026 is supported by its Ambassadors, singer Daniel O'Donnell and his wife Majella, who is a Global Hero of Hope. Their involvement reflects the heart of the campaign: community, kindness and coming together for a cause that affects us all.

"This campaign is about connection. It's about community. It's about doing something small that creates something big. Not everyone can walk the track for 24 hours, but everyone can boil a kettle," a spokesperson from the committee said.

The opening ceremony began with a powerful speech from the Executive Committee Chairman, followed by the survivor and caregiver laps through the rain, showing the strength and kindness of people who face cancer and those who care for them.

As the sun set, the Luminaria bags lining the venue were lit. The soft light enveloped the venue with feelings for family and friends who had passed, and wishes for those living today. A new glimmer of hope came to all who took part in this first event.

Relay For Life Ogaki started in the rain and ended with warm light.

The event also highlighted the importance of good health. The Mouth and Throat Cancer Association of Southern Norway took part with its own team and an information tent, meeting participants and visitors throughout the weekend.

During the opening ceremony, Minister of Health and Care Services Jan Christian Vestre delivered a warm and personal address. He offered special thanks to the fighters and cancer survivors, honoured as the event's guests of distinction, and acknowledged the unwavering support of families, friends, volunteers and the wider community. He noted that cancer touches nearly every family in Norway, yet emphasised the encouraging progress in treatment, with three out of four people now surviving cancer. He described the Relay as "Norway at its best", a living expression of unity, compassion and hope.

This year's Relay also welcomed international visitors. Representatives from the Swedish Cancer Society and the new Relay For Life Jæren attended to learn from Kristiansand's experience, an event that, since its start in 2018, has inspired Relays across Norway and beyond.

Geir Wehus, the Cancer Society's regional leader in Agder, summed up the weekend as moving, powerful and filled with solidarity. He described people of all ages and backgrounds taking part around the clock, walking, running, pushing strollers, using wheelchairs, sleeping in hammocks or even on the ground, and noted with a smile that about 120 litres of coffee were consumed along the way. He offered special recognition to Relay leader Maylin, deputy leader Kristin, the management team, and the roughly 30 volunteers whose dedication made this seventh Kristiansand Relay perhaps the best yet.

Chairperson Anand Gounden explained that organisers intentionally kept this year's Relay smaller as they focused on rebuilding awareness and reconnecting with the community. "We decided to have a smaller Relay so that we could reignite awareness around cancer prevention and the different types of cancer," Anand said. While the weather affected turnout, the heart of the event remained unchanged. "For us, the number of people does not matter as much as the quality of the event and the message behind it."

Among the evening's most powerful moments was a heartfelt testimony by Justine Harvey, a cancer survivor of five years. She reflected on her diagnosis during the Covid-19 pandemic and the life-changing lessons that followed.

"Cancer changes you," she said. "The treatments, the waiting rooms, the emotional strain; but you also begin to appreciate ordinary moments in extraordinary ways. You learn gratitude, resilience and the value of people over possessions."

"Behind every survivor is a network of people who carry them through the difficult days: family, doctors, nurses, colleagues, friends and communities like the one gathered here tonight. One of the beautiful things about Relay For Life is that it does not pretend cancer is easy. It recognizes the pain and struggle, but it also celebrates survival, progress, research and the incredible strength of the human spirit."

The programme was packed with music, performances, a circus school, face painting for children, sports car rides, yoga, a kids' relay, dancing and much more. The teams represented colleagues, associations, political parties, families, friends, sponsors and schools.

They were blessed with wonderful weather, and the Luminaria Ceremony took place at sunset by the water.

When Relay For Life Rossendale had to cancel its event, the team decided to make the best of the situation and turn their local Tesco supermarket purple. Relay Chair Samantha explained that they already had the Tesco event planned, but moved it to their Relay weekend and used some of the entertainment they had already booked for Relay, including The Imperial Alliance, a non-profit Star Wars costume group from North West England.

During the weekend they held bucket collections, competitions, tombolas and a raffle. A DJ from the local radio station joined the team and played upbeat tunes that kept the atmosphere alive. With support from teams, the local community and the Tesco store, Relay For Life Rossendale raised over £2,000.

Relay For Life Twyford and Wargrave found themselves in a similar situation earlier this year when their event was unexpectedly cancelled. Fortunately, a nearby Relay was taking place on the same date, and the Aylesbury committee generously invited the Twyford and Wargrave team to join them for the weekend.

On the last weekend in July, a small but determined group of Relayers travelled to Relay For Life Aylesbury, committed to continuing their fundraising and taking part in a Relay. The Twyford and Wargrave team shared some of their own Relay traditions while embracing new ones in Aylesbury. The weekend was filled with themed laps, including a board-game-inspired lap that sparked some wonderfully creative costumes.

Both Relays transformed the disappointment of cancellation into a celebration of community spirit. Their resilience and enthusiasm are a powerful reminder of how deeply committed Relayers are to the mission of Relay For Life.

Participants from all walks of life, including recreational runners, organised run clubs and families, came together to support the cause. The event included a 1,000 km challenge, and teams and individuals who completed the distance were rewarded with certificates, t-shirts and virtual badges.

Hailie Lim, participating for the first time, said her team had a deeply personal reason to be there. "I'm doing it for the first time this year with the Adidas Runners Singapore team and doing it for a good cause," she said. "Especially for team captain Eugene, who is currently fighting cancer. We hope to do this as support for the cancer community, so they find strength and know they are not alone on this journey."

Singapore Relay For Life also featured a virtual "My Fight Back Challenge", giving participants who could not be at the event the chance to walk or run at their own pace over two weeks to complete the 1,000 km challenge.

Run by Relay For Life of Douglas County, Minnesota, USA, the 2025 tournament continued its reputation as a fun, family-friendly event. 886 people fished: moms, dads, kids, grandmas, grandpas, aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends, including 178 kids aged 12 and under. Altogether, with support from so many people, the tournament raised $85,000.

Prizes were awarded for the top 50 fish in two categories: large fish (Northern, Walleye and Bass) and small fish (Crappie, Perch and Sunfish). The 2026 tournament took place on 21 February 2026.