Close to $340,000 was raised to help support uninsured and underinsured cancer patients thanks to the fifth annual Relay for Life event at the National Sports Centre this weekend.

So far the amount confirmed amount is $339,410 but organisers are yet to add in corporate matches to the total, which will cover the hosting of the event.

Relay for Life of Bermuda was brought to the island by resident Ron Spencer after he lost a loved one to cancer. Mr Spencer teamed up with Mike Barnfield, Bermuda Cancer and Health and title sponsor Ironshore, to launch it in 2014.

Relay for Life of Bermuda has raised $2.2 million over four years, which has gone towards the project and specialised equipment, while helping to successfully open the radiation facility at BCH, which is now celebrating its first anniversary.

Chief marketing officer for Bermuda Cancer and Health Deborah Titterton Narraway said: “The funds this year will go towards our Equal Access Fund towards early cancer detection services or radiation therapy treatment.

“The centre has treated 130 patients in the first year — 47 of them were uninsured or under insured. They would have been less likely to have afforded treatment. That is why we are doing what we are doing — raising these funds is so important for them.”

This year 114 teams took to the track for a 24-hour relay walking event to signify that cancer never sleeps.