A celebration of cancer survivors and remembrance of loved ones lost will be among events held this week to launch the tenth anniversary of Bermuda’s Relay For Life.

Kick-off activities will run from Wednesday to Friday at a pop-up in Washington Mall.

Relay For Life of Bermuda and its title sponsor, Liberty Mutual Insurance, urged residents to get involved.

A spokeswoman said: “Whether you're a veteran relayer or are curious to learn more, Relay For Life of Bermuda invites everyone to participate in the kick-off line-up.

“Those interested in learning how cancer survivors can be involved, registering a team, signing up as a volunteer or joining as a sponsor are encouraged to stop by the pop-up located on the Reid Street level of the Washington Mall between Treats and the Windsor Courtyard to chat with our volunteers.”

Steve Horton, the president of Liberty Mutual Insurance Bermuda, added: “Liberty is incredibly proud to have been the title sponsor of this event since inception and excited to now celebrate the tenth year.

“Together with Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre, as well as the entire community, we have successfully raised enough funds to open a world-class radiation facility on island.

“The continued commitment to this event has had a tremendous impact on our community through on-island radiation treatment, the Equal Access Fund, education programmes and support to patients and their families during their cancer journey.”

He said: “Relay for Life of Bermuda unites our community to celebrate those who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost and take action to help end this fight for all.”

Relay For Life ‘s themes of Celebrate, Remember and Fight Back will be the cornerstones of each day’s events during the launch series.

Committee members, volunteers and survivors will be at the pop-up from 10am until 3pm.

The action starts with a motorcade touring the city on Wednesday, with survivors, sponsors and teams asked to show their support along the route.

“The mood will shift on Thursday, February 2, as activities will focus on remembrance of those lost to cancer and those still on the journey,” the spokeswoman said.

“One of the most memorable ceremonies at each relay is Luminaria. As daylight fades, the track is illuminated by hundreds of luminaria bags lighting the path forward as participants and attendees embrace the memories of those lost while finding the strength to move forward in their journeys.

“At the pop-up, luminaria bags will be on hand to purchase, and you can join the volunteers in helping to decorate and dedicate the bags, which will all be placed on the track on May 12.”

On Friday, for the Fight Back theme, residents are invited to a lunchtime fitness warm-up hosted by LAB.

The spokeswoman said: “Exercise is one of the greatest ways to help lower one's risk of cancer.

“So come by the pop-up and sign your name to the Fight Back banner, pledging to continue raising awareness and funds to help Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre as they support our community in creating a future with less cancer.

“Over the past decade, our Relay For Life of Bermuda community has raised over $5.6 million.

“During the first three years, the event raised $2.2 million making Relay For Life the largest contributor to the build of Bermuda’s only radiation therapy unit.

“Since then, 97 per cent of funds raised support Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre's Equal Access Fund, ensuring that everyone can utilise the centre's services —mammography, ultrasound, breast biopsies and radiation therapy — without a co-pay, regardless of their level of health insurance or ability to pay.

“The remaining 3 per cent of the funds support Global Relay For Life's cancer control initiatives worldwide.”

Relay For Life of Bermuda is planned for May 12 to 13 at the National Stadium’s North Field.

• For more information, visit BermudaRelay.com.