More than 150 guests came together at London’s historic Drapers’ Hall earlier this month (July 4) as Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group (CCLG) hosted its Gold Ribbon Gala Dinner.
Compèred by writer and comedian Jo Brand, the glamourous event raised almost £50,000 to support CCLG’s lifesaving research and vital information resources for families affected by childhood cancer.
As part of an unforgettable night of entertainment, attendees enjoyed live music, a comedy set from Jo and were able to take part in an auction led by auctioneer Mark Head.
Underscoring the importance of the evening’s fundraising, guests also heard from Kiya Kanani, who talked about the impact of being diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma as a teenager, and Jessica Bailes, whose sister, Emily, passed away from cancer aged nine. She paid tribute to Emily on what would have been her 26th birthday.
Vicki Brunt, CCLG Head of Fundraising, said:
We’ve been blown away by the generosity of everyone who attended this year’s Gala Dinner.
I’d like to thank all the businesses and individuals who came and helped make the evening a success, and to all our event partners, without whom it couldn’t have taken place.
I’d particularly like to thank our amazing guest speakers, Kiya and Jessica, who moved everybody in the room with their words and underlined the importance of our work.
The funds raised from his year’s Gala Dinner will help us to fund more world-class, pioneering childhood cancer research and provide ongoing support to families affected by a childhood cancer diagnosis.