Pontypool Relay for Life launched in 2016, and it quickly became clear that young people were showing up in force. By 2017, our Youth Committee—the first of its kind in the UK—was formed, and “Team Pink” was born.
In our first year, the Youth Committee made a huge impact, raising nearly £2,700 and reaching five schools across Torfaen. Their mission was twofold: raise awareness among young people about healthy lifestyles to help prevent cancer, and get stuck into fundraising for Cancer Research UK.
At the Relay event itself, the Youth brought their energy and creativity—introducing themed laps, selling merchandise, and delivering a moving poem during the Candle of Hope ceremony. Their presence continues to be a powerful part of our Relay story.
Now in our eighth year, the Pontypool Relay for Life Youth Committee has grown stronger than ever. We've welcomed new members, seen others move on to university or join the adult committee, and expanded our reach into more schools across the community.
To date, our enthusiastic team has raised nearly £50,000 for Cancer Research UK. We meet monthly to share ideas, plan fundraisers, and organise our roles for Relay day. From bucket collections and school events—including our very own youth-led Relay for Life—to slime sales, fashion shows, and merchandise stalls, we’ve done it all!
We love a good challenge too—whether it’s guessing games, themed days like Christmas Jumper Day and Superheroes Day, or our biggest yet: our chairperson Megan jumping out of a plane, raising over £3,000 on her own!
The Youth Committee continues to be a passionate force for good, proving that young people can—and do—make a big difference.
From the very start of Relay day, the Youth Committee plays a vital role in keeping things running smoothly. We help line up the teams for the opening lap, support the Survivors and Candle of Hope tents, announce themed laps, keep teams updated with the itinerary, sell merchandise, and help hand out medals after the final lap.
One of our most important roles is leading the Candle of Hope ceremony. We introduce the speakers, soloists, and our beautiful Relay choir, Vibe. Then, we guide the community around a moving lap of remembrance—coming together to honour, remember, and stand united in hope.
WHY TEAM PINK?
Our previous Youth Committee chairperson, Eve, was in role from the start. Just before the COVID 19 pandemic, Eve carried out her last duty within her role, speaking at a nationwide CRUK event.
Eve played a massive part within the Youth Committee - attending events, raising awareness, supporting and nurturing the Youth Committee members and raising funds for CRUK. She has continued her role within Pontypool Relay for Life as a member of the adult committee, initially leading the Youth and now leading the Candle of Hope role around her university studies.
Eve said “I have matured and grown in so many positive ways since the start of my Relay for Life journey. I have always been confident and happy yet becoming a small part of the Youth Comminttee was such a worthwhile experience to prepare me for the challenges that I am facing daily and those that I will face in the future. I loved every minute of being part of the Team Pink family and recommend getting involved to build confidence, new friendships and to have fun. I also found it worthwhile to improve my understanding of cancer awareness so that I can support people or carers who are living with cancer every day. Throughout this journey I have learned that we CAN and we WILL beat cancer sooner!”
Eve continues to raise awareness whilst studying Journalism at university. Most recently, Eve has been working on a prototype magazine called "The C Word".
