Committed to fighting cancer

IN REMEMBRANCE: Some 1500 people will take part in the Relay For Life today. PHOTO/FILE

Twenty hours of commitment by 1500 people will signify the fight and remembrance for those who have been affected by cancer.

Today at the Hawke's Bay Sports Park, 95 teams will take part in the Cancer Society's Relay for Life.

Hawke's Bay Cancer Society manager Trudy Kirk says the event will start at 1.30pm before a survivors' lap at 2.30pm with their families.

She said some of the teams boasted large numbers, such as Karamu High School's team with 60 people, Tamatea High School's team with 40 people and Kiwi Bank's team with 25 people.

At dusk, a candlelight ceremony will be held to remember those who have fallen to cancer.

When the sun rises the next morning, hundreds of purple helium balloons will be released.

All participants will be given a balloon holding a personal pledge as to how they will try to fight back against cancer.

The event, now in its 11th year, will have local entertainers performing until 11pm, with quiet recorded music played throughout the evening.