PONTYPOOL Park is preparing to host a special 24-hour relay to help raise money for Cancer Research UK in April.

The Relay For Life starts at 12pm on Saturday, April 30 and puts fundraising teams of up to 15 through their paces on the course throughout the night, finishing at 12pm on Sunday, May 1.

The event will come to Pontypool for the very first time this year, and is supported by the Mayor of Torfaen, cllr Giles Davies.

Event organiser Colin Guest is hoping residents from across the Torfaen area and beyond starting their fundraising plans in the lead up to the event in April.

He said: “Relay For Life is a great way to spend time with your friends, family and colleagues while raising money for a truly worthwhile cause.”

In addition to the continuous relay, entertainment including live music, games and stalls will aim to bring a carnival atmosphere to the centre of Pontypool.

As dusk approaches, a number of candles will be lit in the ‘Lap of Honour’ which will feature candle of hope bags decorated with messages to loved ones who lost their battles with cancer.

Mr Guest added: “More than one in two people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some stage in their lives.

“Taking part in Relay For Life is about being part of a community united in the belief that it can make a difference and help beat cancer.

“We want everyone in the area to come and take part even if they don’t enter a team. On the Saturday it will be a family fun day event and everyone can join in and light a candle of hope in the evening,” he said.

To participate in the inaugural event of the Relay For Life in Pontypool Park, or for more information, visit cruk.org/relay.

For further information about Cancer Research UK's work or to find out how to support the charity, contact 0300 123 1861, visit cancerresearchuk.org, or search for the charity on Twitter and Facebook.