Friends of Cancer Patients, FoCP, has called on UAE citizens and residents to take part in the 24-hour fundraising walkathon against cancer, ‘Relay for Life’, which will take place at the American University of Sharjah on November 17th-18th.

This is first time the event has ever been held in the Middle East and North Africa region. Relay for Life was launched in the US in 1985 and has raised more than AED18 billion in support of cancer patients worldwide and given communities the opportunity to come together to support cancer fighters.

Since the announcement in April that Sharjah would be hosting the event in association with the American Cancer Society, FoCP has organised a series of activities to drive participation in the initiative, including a number of Roadshows aimed to schools and universities around the UAE.

Speaking on the occasion, Badr Al Juaidi, Event & Logistics Senior Executive at FoCP, said, "Relay for Life has been a lifeline to many cancer patients for more than thirty years people have taken part in the event not only to make a donation but to prove their dedication in terms of time and effort. For the vast majority of people from this region it will be their first opportunity to take part in Relay for Life and know that they are truly making a difference in providing financial and moral support.

"The original concept of the 24-hour theme was to reflect the fact that cancer never sleeps; a fact that we all know and all understand, but nonetheless often need reminding."

As well as the participants physically taking part in the walkathon, there will also be the opportunity to contribute through food and beverage sales, games and activities onsite. Volunteering by members of the public is also being actively encouraged to help the smooth running and success of this hugely important occasion.

"The people of Sharjah have always been incredibly generous in their hearts and in their actions and I am totally confident we will witness a tremendous turnout for what is not just an extremely worthy cause, but a highly enjoyable event with like-minded people who want to make a difference," Badr Al Juaidi added.

FoCP is a non-profit organisation that was founded in 1999 with the aim of spreading awareness about six early detectable diseases; cancer of the breast, cervix, prostate, skin, testis and colon.