Anne Kermode’s mother was a breast cancer survivor, who had been in remission for several years, when she first decided to take part in Bermuda Cancer & Health Centre’s Relay for Life in her mom’s honour last October.

A month later, her mom Gill Bamber fell ill again and her family learned the cancer had spread to her spine.

Mrs Kermode — along with 14 of her running buddies from The Weekenders — will be taking part in the May 30th and 31st event, with the hope of raising funds for the local and international fight against cancer.

She said she wanted to get involved seeing that she doesn’t know anyone who hasn’t been touched by some form of cancer — be it a brother or sister, cousin, friend or aunt.

“I don’t know anyone who hasn’t had some sort of relationship with cancer and when you pair that with the fact that some people in the community have no health insurance or extremely basic health insurance, it’s scary because a lot of people can’t afford healthcare.

“They either go without or get treated somewhere and end up settled with massive debt — so that’s what Relay for Life is trying to do: help raise money for people who otherwise couldn’t afford it.”

Mrs Kermode will be running for 12 hours straight from 6am until 6pm, but plans to keep going for longer if she can.

Fellow athlete, Sangeeta Wagh, from The Weekenders, will also be accompanying her on the overnight relay leg. Ms Wagh lost her own mother to cancer and admitted she only took up running after her mom’s death.

“I have seen and felt the pain very closely as I was with my mother for every chemotherapy session that she went through,” Ms Wagh explained. “I have seen her being a strong woman, fighting this disease as if everything is going to be all right. I run in her memory and for all who I personally know that are fighting cancer.”

Many of The Weekenders members taking part in the relay have similar stories.

Duncan Scott’s father was diagnosed with bladder and prostate cancer and is still undergoing treatment.

He said his father’s illness has had a major impact on his family; he also knows of a colleague who is currently fighting breast cancer.

Runner Liz Craig wanted to take part in honour of her mother, who got breast cancer later on in life, but thankfully survived.

Ms Craig also had a cousin die from cancer and wanted to support Mrs Kermode’s mom in her fight with the disease.

“I just feel I have to help,” she said. “It’s a nasty disease and takes away too many good people from this life, well before their time is due. More help is needed and being part of a team is a great way to show support, more people equals more money raised.”

Lynn Norman chose to participate to pay tribute to her mother, whom she lost to cancer five years ago.

Ms Norman said: “[My mom] was very brave and gave us strength to carry on. She always wanted us to do something to support cancer.

“My daughter Laura and I ran the Paris Marathon in her memory and raised money for the Cancer and Health Centre here in Bermuda. Whenever I run I do it in memory of my mom.”

Mrs Kermode said that her mother doesn’t like attention, however, would appreciate that she is doing something to raise funds for not just her, but all cancer sufferers.

“I think she will be proud of it, but also embarrassed,” she said.

Her mother Ms Bamber, a former Bermuda resident, worked for many years conducting mammograms for Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre. Then approximately 15 years ago, she returned to her home in the UK and continued doing mammography in Devon.

“A year after she retired she was diagnosed with breast cancer, which was ironic having worked so long in the industry,” Mrs Kermode explained.

The cancer was caught early and she was in remission for five years, but it recently metastasised to her spine.

Mrs Kermode said her mother, as well as her aunt who was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago, were always on her mind when she runs.

And if ever she is in pain or flagging, she thinks about her mom’s suffering and it gives her extra motivation to put one foot in front of the other.

“I think as humans we have an obligation to do something,” she said. “Thankfully The Weekenders were more than willing to get together and make a team and I understand there will be more than 100 teams taking part, which is a lot of people.

“I guess my message is if you are not doing the relay you really must sponsor someone. It’s part of everyone’s responsibility to do something and get involved.”

The Weekenders team has currently raised about $3,000. The runners are encouraging people to donate to any team taking part in the relay via www.cancer.bm.