A 24-HOUR walk raising funds for Cancer Research UK is due to come to Dunbar next year.

The Relay for Life event, which collects money for lifesaving research, is set to be staged outside the town’s Hallhill Sports Centre next summer.

A final date for the fundraiser, which would be coming to Dunbar for the first time, has not yet been confirmed but organisers are in early discussions with the representatives of the sports centre on Kellie Road.

Carrie Lennon, Cancer Research UK relationship manager, is among those hoping to take part in the fundraiser, with the town close to her heart.

Her uncle Greig Hannan (pictured below), who was a talented musician and postman in Dunbar, was just 40 when he died in September 2007 from kidney cancer.

East Lothian Courier: Carrie Lennon's uncle Greig Hannan, who died from cancer in September 2007

The dad-of-three, who played lead guitar in Setting Sons, a classic punk covers band, lived on the town’s Ash Grove and had also played football for Dunbar United and Cockburnspath FC.

Carrie said: “I’ll be lighting my own candle at Relay for Life Dunbar in memory of Greig and for other loved ones in my family who have been through cancer.

“We are looking ahead to summer 2022 with great hope and excitement.

“Relay for Life is an inspirational event.”

One of the most poignant parts of the Relay for Life event is the Candle of Hope ceremony, which take place as darkness falls and lights up the venue with dedicated candles, honouring every life touched by cancer.

Candle bags are decorated and dedicated to loved ones lost to cancer, a friend or family member living with the disease, those who have survived, or hope for the future – a world where all cancers are cured.

The ceremony is a chance for quiet remembrance, reflection and celebration.

Carrie added: “The Candle of Hope ceremony is the only time that the relay stops as we come together as a community to honour everyone who has been affected by cancer, united in the belief that our fundraising is making a difference and that we will beat cancer.

“We’d love for some more people to come forward to help shape and create this amazing event.

“Dunbar, are you ready to relay?”

During the relay event, team members take it in turns to walk around a track to show their solidarity in the fight to beat cancer, while a variety of stalls, games and music from performers provide entertainment.

Members of the public interested in taking part in the event and raising funds for the charity are being invited to come forward.

A new fundraising committee will be formed to make the East Lothian event a success.

Every year, about 32,400 people are diagnosed with cancer in Scotland and one in two people in the UK born after 1960 will get cancer in their lifetime.

Cancer survival in the UK has doubled since the 1970s and Cancer Research UK’s work has been at the heart of that progress.

But more funds and supporters are needed.

To find out more about how you can get involved in Relay for Life Dunbar, email Carrie.Lennon@cancer.org.uk