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Relay History


Yate Relay History


Relay For Life is the largest non-profit fundraising event in the world, and now takes place in more than 20 countries! It All started in Washington, USA with a surgeon who was a keen runner who wanted to make a difference.

In 2006 Yate got involved


Since then Yate Relay has gone on to raise over a quarter of a million pounds for Cancer Research UK


Over the Years we have had fly overs from the Black Cat and Red Arrows Display teams. Thank you to them!


We have visits from local mayors and positions and many bands have supported us for free, again our thanks go to them!

Gordy Klatt

1985 saw the first Relay take place


In 1985 in Tacoma, Washington USA, when a Surgeon, Dr. Gordy Klatt, a keen runner, decided he wanted to make a difference and walked around a track for 24hours. He raised $27,000 for the American Cancer Society. The following year he recruited a committee and 19 teams to join him on this unique overnight experience, and Relay For Life was born!

We are proud to have raised a massive amount of money for Cancer Research

  • In 2006 teams walked the track in glorious sunshine and raised over £13,000.
  • In 2007 Relay move from inner Bristol to Yate - £10,855 raised!
  • In 2008 the sun came out and our teams raised £16,314
  • In 2009 the weather was again kind to us and teams raised £31,530
  • In 2010 teams raised £38,058.
  • 2011 raised £40,766.
  • 2012 saw a rain soaked £47,192 raised
  • In 2013 30 teams raised £35,221.96.
  • In 2014 with over 10 new teams we raised £37,693.77!
  • 2015 saw us in glorious sun raise £42,000
  • With a new committee, Relay 2016 raised £55,00 - our biggest ever total

Why 24 hours?

We are asking you to give up a day of your life for those who may not have another - the 24 hours is symbolic and gives Relay For Life it's unique appeal.





Why Relay?

Relay For Life is more than just a fundraiser. It allows communities to come together, to honour Cancer Survivors, remember those whose lives have been lost, educate the community on cancer prevention and early detection, and raise life-saving funds to help Cancer Research UK find new answers to the many different forms of cancer.