HOPE, remembrance, and the power of community will take centre stage at this year’s CANSA Relay for Life Durban. Organisers are calling on more teams to sign up and help fuel the fight against cancer.

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Taking place at Northlands Girls’ High School on August 2, the event is set to gather hundreds for an afternoon and evening filled with symbolic laps, heartfelt tributes, entertainment, and wellness activities. The 2025 theme is “Fuel the Fight for a Cancer Free South Africa”.

“This isn’t just a fundraising event but a celebration of courage, a platform for awareness, and a moment of healing for so many. We’re still looking for more teams to come on board, for the public to join us on the day as we rally together to show our support for those affected by cancer. This year we also celebrate 40 years of the Relay For Life movement around the world. We have over 30 countries walking the track to raise awareness and raise much needed funds. CANSA hosted our first CANSA Relay For Life event 19 years ago and have never looked back since,” said Natasha Brown, sustainability co-ordinator for CANSA Durban.

The event, driven entirely by volunteers, kicks off at 14:00 with an opening ceremony featuring prayers, inspiring speeches from cancer survivors, medical professionals, and school leaders. But the true heartbeat of the event happens on the track.

The Survivors Lap opens the Relay, honouring those thriving after cancer. This is followed by the Caregivers Lap, recognising those who support loved ones through their cancer journeys. Then, registered teams step onto the track for the Team Lap of Honour, signalling hours of themed laps like an ’80s lap, back-to-school lap, and more.

Teams of 10 comprising friends, family, students, colleagues, or social clubs are urged to register. Fees are R1000 per adult team and R600 per school team.

As evening falls, the deeply moving Luminaria Ceremony lights up the night. Candles placed in decorated white bags glow in tribute to those who have battled cancer and celebrate those who have survived.

Beyond the laps, CANSA Relay for Life offers public health services, including blood pressure checks, cholesterol testing, diabetic screening, and stem cell donor registration, as well as wellness activities like massages from DUT chiropractic students.

Food and retail stalls will serve up local favourites, kids entertainment, pet accessories, costume jewellery and more, while dancers, singers, and school groups will keep spirits high throughout the event.

With an entry fee of only R20, you can enjoy a host of activities while supporting a worthy cause. Children five years and younger will enter for free.

To enter your team or find out more, contact Natasha Brown at 081 477 8947 or email nbrown@cansa.org.za. Alternatively email the event chairperson, Amesha Manilall, at amesha@durbancancer.co.za.

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