260 guests gathered at The Parkgate Hotel earlier this month to fundraise with Business Beats Cancer Cymru and by raising over £50k again, the total has now tipped over the £100k mark in only two years.
On behalf of Cancer Research UK, all money raised will now be used here in Wales to fund lifesaving research projects, in a bid to find cures to the cruel disease.
Every year around 19,800 people are diagnosed with cancer in Wales*. Money raised by Business Beats Cancer Cymru will help scientists to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer – moving closer to a world where everyone can live longer, better lives free from the fear of the disease.
Captivating the hearts and minds of guests on the evening were speakers Kevin Johns and Professor Steven Knapper. Kevin is a familiar face and voice across Wales being an actor, broadcaster, and columnist, but he is also a Stage 4 Cancer Survivor for which he delivered a heartfelt account of his journey living with cancer.
Steven is a Professor in Haematology and Honorary Consultant Haematologist at Cardiff University and spoke of the very specific research he is currently working on and how it could benefit those living with cancer.
One of the highlights of the evening was the live auction, hosted by Alex Fleming once again. With prizes including a stay in a Shacks cabin in Llangollen, experiences galore in Morocco, a steel baby dragon courtesy of Pro Steel Engineering, Oasis tickets, and a rare collectable watch thanks to the Vale Watch Company it was once again a fun and competitive experience for all.
The evening also included welcome performances by the amazing Rock Choir, a three-course dinner, a silent auction run by Jumblebee, and music by the band The Verge that had everyone dancing at the end of the night.
The Welsh business leaders who make up the board dedicated to saving lives are: Co-chairs Sarah Williams-Gardener and Bethan Lewis (Brandrocker), Alan Jones (AGJ Accountants), Jo Horrigan (Nuvolt), Andrew Evans (AME Productions), and Randall Smith (IPM Group). The team also announced three new board members joining them: Keith Hayward (Glanua), Nadine Beaton (S4C), and Owen Brown (Orchard).
Co-chair of the board Sarah Williams-Gardener said of the achievement: “We talk a lot about collaboration and people-focused work here in Wales, and this event was absolutely testament to the community of business leaders we have. Whether they were in the room enjoying the evening and bidding on auction prizes, or supporting us with donations and experiences prior to the evening, I couldn’t be prouder of the business community we have.
“As a cancer survivor myself, I know first-hand how invaluable the right treatments are for successful outcomes. To have raised over £100k in the space of only two years is amazing and I know those research projects already taking place in Wales will benefit immensely from this.
“I’d like to extend my thanks to every single person who attended our event, every company who generously donated prizes for the auctions and raffle, and thank you to our extensive list of helpers on the night including Cancer Research UK volunteers and fellow friends of the board.”
Sophie Busson, Relationship Manager, Cancer Research UK said: “On behalf of everyone at Cancer Research UK, I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who attended this year’s Business Beats Cancer Cymru gala dinner. Not only have you helped raise an incredible amount of money, but you are helping to improve the lives of people affected by cancer, giving them more time, more hope, and more precious memories with their loved ones.
“I would also like to wish our wonderful board a huge congratulations on raising over £100,000 in just two years for research taking place in Wales. Bringing together some of the best businesses in Wales to unite in the fight against cancer is a fantastic achievement and we are so grateful for all the work you have put into making this second event another roaring success. Thank you for helping people live longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.”
