Walking Together, Remembering Together: Portsmouth Relay For Life 2026

melissa.gillham
2 days ago
3 min read

Last weekend, Liz Hood joined fellow members of The Yogis at Portsmouth Relay For Life, taking part in the 24-hour relay walk in support of Cancer Research UK.

The annual event brought together teams of walkers, runners, volunteers and supporters who kept moving around the track day and night, united by one shared purpose: raising funds for life-saving cancer research and supporting those affected by cancer.

This year's Relay For Life was particularly significant, marking 30 years of the Portsmouth event. Over the past three decades, Portsmouth Relay For Life has raised an incredible £1.9 million for Cancer Research UK, helping to fund research that continues to improve cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

*Members of The Yogis gathering for Portsmouth Relay For Life 2026*

Months of Fundraising Lead to the Big Event

Relay For Life is about much more than a single weekend. For The Yogis, the event represented the culmination of months of fundraising, planning and community support.

Through quiz nights, fundraising events, donations and the sale of handmade crafts, the team raised approximately £2,000 for Cancer Research UK. During the Relay weekend itself, their craft stall raised a further £200, with visitors purchasing handmade gifts and crocheted creations carefully made by team members.

Each donation, raffle ticket and handmade purchase contributed towards supporting vital cancer research and bringing hope to future generations.

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The Yogis' handmade craft stall helped raise funds for Cancer Research UK throughout the Relay weekend.

A Weekend of Community and Friendship

Set on the playing fields near the sea, Relay For Life enjoyed beautiful weather throughout much of the weekend. Blue skies, warm sunshine and a gentle sea breeze created the perfect setting for a powerful community event.

Teams walked throughout the day and night while visitors enjoyed food stalls, live entertainment, tombolas, fundraising activities and community displays. The atmosphere was filled with encouragement, laughter and mutual support.

One of the most inspiring moments was seeing cancer survivors celebrated during the event, reminding everyone why Relay For Life continues to be such an important occasion.

*The Survivors' Lap is one of the most inspiring moments of Relay For Life.*

Remembering Loved Ones

As evening fell, the atmosphere became more reflective.

The Candle of Hope ceremony offered participants an opportunity to remember loved ones affected by cancer. Candles illuminated the track while walkers quietly made their way around the course. The sound of pipers leading the procession created a moving and unforgettable experience.

For Liz, the ceremony provided an opportunity to remember her brother, Peter.

While Peter is deeply missed, events like Relay For Life serve as a reminder of the importance of celebrating lives, supporting one another and continuing to hope for a future where cancer has less impact on families and communities.

*Candles illuminated the track during the Candle of Hope ceremony, providing a moment for reflection and remembrance.*

Walking Through the Night

Although walking through the night can be challenging, many participants describe it as one of the most meaningful parts of the event.

As darkness gave way to dawn, a sense of gratitude and achievement could be felt throughout the campsite. Teams supported one another through the small hours, sharing stories, encouragement and moments of reflection.

For The Yogis, the weekend was not just about fundraising. It was about friendship, kindness and community spirit.

The team's campsite, decorated with handmade crafts and colourful displays, became a welcoming space where walkers could rest, chat and enjoy each other's company between laps.

As darkness fell, pipers led participants during the moving evening ceremonies.

Together We Remember, Together We Hope

Relay For Life continues to demonstrate the remarkable things that can happen when communities come together for a shared cause.

Together, participants celebrate survivors.

Together, they remember loved ones.

Together, they raise funds for life-saving research.

Together, they continue to hope.

As Portsmouth Relay For Life celebrates its 30th anniversary, Liz feels proud to have contributed to such an important cause and grateful to everyone who supported The Yogis throughout their fundraising journey.