The radiation therapy centre at the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre has been given a $20,000 donation in memory of one of its former supporters.

Husband and wife Mitch and Carol Blaser donated the cash in memory of Mike Barnfield, an insurance executive who helped set up the first Relay For Life in Bermuda.

Mr Barnfield died of cancer earlier this year.

The commemorative tile wall in the centre’s front entrance is now dedicated to Mr Barnfield.

Mr Blaser is vice-chairman of Ironshore Bermuda, which has been sponsor of the Relay For Life since it started four years ago.

Relay For Life has raised more than $2.2 million to support the radiation therapy initiative since then.

Mr Blaser said: “Mike was able to draw upon his charm, wisdom and wit to be the bright light that shone on people, causes and life’s challenges to make a difference to everyone he touched.

“He has left us all a fantastic legacy to continue the work to fight against cancer and be a champion for those afflicted and their loved ones.”

Deborah Titterton Narraway, chief marketing officer at Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre, said: “Mr Barnfield played a pivotal role in the inaugural year of Relay For Life, providing much guidance as we introduced an event of this size to the island.

“As the sponsorship chairman, Mike laid the groundwork for the tremendous support we continue to receive from the business community, including recruiting Mitch for Ironshore to be the presenting sponsor.”

Ms Titterton Narraway added: “The sponsorship received from the business community is significant. It means that none of the funds raised by the teams and participants are used towards the event. Instead 100 per cent of those funds support the cause.”

Funds raised by Relay For Life in the future will support the Centre’s Equal Access Fund to ensure that everyone has access to the centre’s services, including radiation therapy.

The centre still needs $2 million more to help fund the building of its $10 million state-of-the-art radiation therapy unit.

• For more information, visit www.cancer.bm