As Chrissy Wetherhill takes her first steps at this year’s Relay For Life her thoughts will pass to her mother Flo Brackstone, who died nearly 40 years ago.

Mrs Brackstone succumbed to cancer in 1978, but her daughter will be taking part in the second 24-hour walking marathon to take place in Bermuda in her memory.

“Last year the atmosphere was just electric. It made me feel alive,” said Mrs Wetherhill.

“It’s an incredible event and an amazing feeling to know that you are helping others fight this disease that continues to affect so many people across the world.”

Mrs Wetherhill has helped raise tens of thousands of dollars for the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre over the years by hosting the charity’s “Girls Night In” event.

On May 29 she will be part of a 18-strong team called “Bosom Buddies” taking part in the Relay For Life.

“It’s a big challenge, and you walk until you pretty much can not walk any more,” she said.

“Everyone in our team has been affected by cancer in one way or another and this event is something that we are all looking forward to taking part in,” she said.

This year’s Relay For Life event, which is sponsored by Ironshore, will be held at North Field on May 29.

The global event has been organised by the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre and will begin with the opening ceremony at 6.30pm.

More than 3,000 participants and 159 teams are expected to take part in the event. Organisers hope the walking marathon will raise $500,000 to fight cancer and are urging members of the public to descend on North Field to support participants and experience the unique atmosphere.

Tara Soares, executive director of the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre, said: “We have set a target of $500,000 for this year, of which 95 per cent will stay in Bermuda. All the money raised will be used to bring radiotherapy to Bermuda.

“We have more teams and more participants this year, so we are very excited about this year’s Race For Life.

“This event takes hundreds of volunteers to make it the success it is, and we are very grateful to everyone that makes this event possible.”

Robyn Dickinson-Barras, the charity’s marketing co-ordinator, added: “We would urge everyone to come along and experience this event, even if you are not taking part.

“There is all sorts of entertainment from music to Gombeys so it is all set to be a fantastic event.”

Entrance to the arena is $10 for the duration of the event.