More than $800,000 was raised in a record-shattering fundraiser to benefit the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre.

A total of $642,205 was raised in 24 hours during last month’s Relay for Life fundraiser, surpassing the organisation’s $500,000 goal and previous single-day records.

However, ongoing fundraising efforts lifted the number to $804,530.

About 97 per cent of funds raised support BCHC's Equal Access Fund, ensuring that everyone can utilise the centre's services without a co-pay, regardless of their level of health insurance or ability to pay.

Deborah Titterton Narraway, chief marketing and fundraising officer for BCHC, said the event’s success was thanks to the community’s unwavering support.

“The funding required to support Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre's Equal Access Fund alone amounts to approximately $2.2 million annually,” she said. “We are immensely proud to acknowledge that Relay For Life is the largest contributor to this fund every year.

“This truly exemplifies the power of our community supporting one another. No one has a rainy-day fund sitting around waiting to hear the words ‘you have cancer’.

“The Equal Access Fund plays a vital role in subsidising the cost of the Centre's clinical services when an individual's health insurance falls short of covering the full expenses or when someone lacks health insurance and faces the burden of a $40,000 treatment cost.”

Several fundraising teams were recognised for their efforts at a recent reception, including “Don’t Stop Believing”, which was named the top non-corporate fundraising team for raising $13,625.

Meanwhile, “The Sun Lifers” were named as the top corporate fundraising team for the second consecutive year after they raised $45,684 for the event.

“BAC: Battle Against Breast Cancer” won the prize for top corporate newcomer after raising $8,495, while “Team Prickly Pears” won the top non-corporate newcomer fundraising team after raising $4,000.

A total of ten teams were able to raise more than $10,000 for the charity, including “Serve With Liberty”, “RenRe Avengers”, “Chubb”, “Team Tango (Lancashire)”, “Do What Moves You”, “KPMG”, “AIG Together” and “Corks for a Cure”.

Relay for Life of Bermuda has raised $6.3 million over the past ten years including $3 million which was donated to the Radiation Therapy Initiative.

The Volunteer Events Committee thanked the numerous volunteers and sponsors who helped to make the event a success through their invaluable contributions.

Those who are interested in supporting Relay for Life at any time throughout the year can learn more through www.bermudarelay.com or by contacting Deborah Titterton Narraway at 236-0949 or dnarraway@chc.bm.