SURVIVORS and supporters will band together against cancer once again in Evesham this weekend.

One of the town's biggest fundraising events of the year kicks off at midday on Saturday, with 20 teams signed up to take part in Evesham's Relay for Life.

The event sees teams raise money for Cancer Research UK throughout the year, and so far an incredible £52,000 has already been raised.

Volunteer event chairman, Paul Baylis, said he hopes members of the public will come out to the event at Evesham's De Montfort School to show their support.

"It really is an extraordinary event which sees teams of people relaying around a track over 24 hours. It's not a race and is open to people of all ages and abilities. The idea is that we try to stay awake for 24 hours because cancer doesn't sleep, so why should we?" he said.

"As the relay is going on we have live music playing and stalls for people to browse.

"We also have a VIP marquee for survivors where they will enjoy an afternoon dinner, but we also recognise the carers and supporters. We have various themed laps of the track, but the day is all about raising funds to help beat cancer and raising awareness of the disease, which touches everyone."

The mood becomes more reflective for the Candle of Hope ceremony, which sees people remembering loved ones or dedicating candles to survivors.

Mr Baylis said: "It's a really special event. We want everyone to get involved. People can come and cheer the teams on. It can be hard getting members of the public out to support us but anyone who wants to is most welcome."#Cancer Research UK is dedicated to saving lives by preventing, controlling and curing all cancers.

The charity funds the work of thousands of scientists, doctors and nurses who are fighting more than 200 types of cancer.

Thanks to Cancer Research UK’s work, more people are surviving cancer than ever before. Survival rates have doubled over the last 40 years.

Money raised at the relay will help this work continue.

To find out more visit www.eveshamrelay.org.