Business Beats Cancer Yorkshire gala dinner raises £47,000

Yorkshire’s business community dug deep to raise £47,000 for vital cancer research at the third annual Business Beats Cancer Yorkshire gala dinner.

More than 350 people attended the event at The Queens Hotel in Leeds, with all funds raised being pledged to Cancer Research UK in the region.

Hosted by BBC Look North presenter Amy Garcia, money was raised through a live auction of generous and unique prizes, a charity raffle and other generous donations on the night.

Speakers on the night included Susan Johnstone, divisional senior manager at Cancer Research UK, and Professor David Sebag-Montifore, Professor of Clinical Oncology and Health Research at the University of Leeds.

Both talked about the positive impact Business Beats Cancer Yorkshire is making to fund the development of cutting-edge research and treatments.

An interactive panel session led by respected broadcaster Tanya Arnold heard inspiring cancer-related stories from motivational speaker and former professional footballer Dominic Matteo, Yorkshire County Cricket Club’s head of commercial sales and partnerships Simon Pixsley, and Johnny Abraham, managing director at J9 Advisory.

The event’s sponsors were Party Delights, Karen Betts, Boodles, Hayley Baxter, Matt Crumpton videography and media partner TheBusinessDesk.com.

Business Beats Cancer is an initiative that brings together influential business leaders to fundraise for Cancer Research UK, the world’s largest cancer charity dedicated to saving lives through research, influence and information.

Business Beats Cancer Yorkshire is one of 12 successful boards established across the UK that together have raised more than £1.7m.

Alexandra Fogal, chair of Business Beats Cancer Yorkshire, said: “On behalf of the Business Beats Cancer Yorkshire board, I’d like to say a massive ‘thank you’ to everyone involved in our brilliant gala dinner, including our sponsors.

“From auction bids to ticket sales and prize donations, we have been blown away by the fantastic generosity of the Yorkshire business community and are extremely grateful to everyone involved for their support.

“The gala dinner is the first of Business Beats Cancer Yorkshire’s exciting programme of events in 2024. The Yorkshire board aims to increase awareness across the region’s business community of Cancer Research UK’s vital work, and we look forward to continuing to support the charity.”

Kathryn Leverett, relationship manager at Cancer Research UK, added: “We know how many demands there are on people’s time and budgets, especially at this time, and we are therefore hugely thankful to everyone for their support; it really is appreciated.

“All money raised by Business Beats Cancer Yorkshire supports lifesaving research right here in Yorkshire. These vital funds will make a genuinely positive impact and contribute massively towards our ongoing efforts to beat cancer.

“We are thrilled with the amount of money that has been raised and hugely grateful to everyone who made the night such a success.”

To find out more about Business Beats Cancer Yorkshire and to make a donation visit: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/business-beats-cancer-yorkshire