Yorkshire Cancer Research has raised more than £140,000 at its centenary gala dinner, marking 100 years since the charity was founded.
The Castle Howard event, titled A Night Like No Other, was hosted by The Hon Nicholas and Victoria Howard and brought together supporters from across the region to celebrate a century of cancer research and innovation.
The gala exceeded its £100,000 fundraising target, with proceeds going towards research, clinical trials and cancer services across Yorkshire.
Guests enjoyed an evening of live entertainment, a five-course meal by chef Andrew Pern and a fundraising auction led by Master of Ceremonies Jo Pickard.
Nicholas Howard opened the evening with a speech reflecting on his personal experience of prostate cancer and the importance of early diagnosis and research.
He said:
“I've reached an age now where hardly a month goes by without hearing of another friend or acquaintance who has been diagnosed with cancer.
"Some are common ones like my own, some are rare. But in each case, I see slight variance in treatment, different pathways made possible by the incredible work of organisations such as Yorkshire Cancer Research.
"And, having had a grandstand view, I now realise what an enormous field the charity is covering.”
Among the auction prizes was a private tour of Castle Howard donated by Nicholas Howard, which proved so popular that two additional tours were offered.
Other prizes included a cricket bat signed by Yorkshire players, donated by former England cricketer Geoff Miller OBE, who also spoke at the event.
Miller, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2021 and treated by Professor Jim Catto in Sheffield, spoke about his experience and the importance of early testing.
He said:
“This may sound strange, but I felt relieved after my diagnosis, knowing they could actually do something about it. Jim Catto was fantastic; he clearly explained my treatment options to me, so I knew what to expect with each of them.”
“Now, I am passionate about raising awareness of early diagnosis and encouraging men to get checked out as soon as they can. I have friends from my cricketing career who didn’t do that and sadly, are no longer with us.
"I was delighted to speak at the charity’s centenary gala dinner, knowing that the funds raised will go towards such important research, like the IMProVE prostate screening trial, to help improve early diagnosis and treatment.”
Yorkshire Cancer Research funds around £64 million of research and services aimed at improving cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
The charity says every 17 minutes, someone in Yorkshire is diagnosed with cancer.
Vanessa Eve from Quilter Cheviot, who helped organise the event, said:
“The Yorkshire Cancer Research Gala Dinner was a magical night like no other, with elegant live music, sumptuous food and wonderful company.
"It was an experience shared by those who endeavour to continue the charity’s legacy set 100 years ago to save lives and support all those affected by cancer.”
Kathryn Scott, Chief Executive at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said:
“The centenary gala dinner was a truly special evening, with everyone in the room united by a shared passion for Yorkshire and its people.
"The money raised will support a number of vital areas of the charity’s work - from world-leading genetic screening research, attracting and nurturing the next generation of cancer researchers, and co-designing clinical studies that address cancer inequalities.
"The charity’s vision is big and bold: a Yorkshire free from cancer. Together, we can move ever closer to making that vision a reality.”
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