Having fun and celebrating life was the order of the day at the UAE Relay for Life 24-hour walkathon, the first ever event to be held in the MENA region. Commencing 4pm on Friday and running overnight until the same time yesterday, the serious business of raising awareness and funds for the fight against cancer through a continuous walk around the athletics track at American University of Sharjah went hand-in-hand with an array of entertainment and activities taking place on its sidelines.

Organised by Friends of Cancer Patients (FoCP), the non-profit organisation that supports cancer patients and their families, the inaugural event attracted the participation of more than 2,000 ‘relayers,’ with the individuals and institutions taking part including 52 schools, six universities, eight partners, 37 government and private institutions, and 67 cancer survivors.

With the object of the walkathon being one of fun and laughter in a carnival atmosphere, Relay for Life had arranged for numerous activities to take place around the track, enabling those taking a break from their walk – as well as the supporters not participating directly – to enjoy a wealth of entertainment.