AN EDINBURGH charity has raised a record-breaking sum for Cancer Research, as revealed in its annual fundraising dinner.
Business Beats Cancer raised £129,575 in support of the capital city’s cancer research projects, breaking all previous records.
The local business community gathered at a sold-out gathering at Prestonfield House on Thursday, where they heard a programme of speeches and bid on a series of prizes.
Paralympic gold medallist David Smith MBE was also in attendance and took part in an ‘in conversation’ with fellow sportsman Mark Beaumont, where he shared stories of his personal cancer journey, his life lessons and love of sport.
Professor Neil Carragher from the Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre reminded guests of just how important the funds being raised are to the lives of people affected by cancer.
He explained how far pioneering drug discovery has come in recent times, and how every penny counts when it comes to supporting the work his team is doing to edge closer towards effective treatments and cures for many of today’s deadliest cancers.
The Chair of Business Beats Cancer Edinburgh, Always Be Content’s Lou Kiddier, also helped to rally the evening’s guests.
She shared her own personal story of losing her mum to cancer, and her mission to make a difference.
She said: “We live and work in a city that truly does lead the way in cancer research, but also in one where 4,600 people are diagnosed with this awful disease every year.”
The evening’s top prizes included a pair of business class tickets to anywhere in the world with Qatar Airways and a private Old Pulteney whisky tasting in your own home.
A fundraising total that nearly doubles the amount raised at last year’s event had been reached by the end of the evening.
Cancer Research UK invests over £9m a year in Edinburgh.
At the Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre, scientists from the University of Edinburgh work with doctors from NHS Lothian to conduct research into the disease and improve care for those living with it.
