A gala fundraising dinner hosted by The Institute of Cancer Research was a huge success, raising an impressive £250,000 for the ICR’s pioneering cancer research.
The event, held on 19 May 2015, set out reasons to be hopeful for the future of cancer research and featured an auction where guests gave generously to support our world-leading research. The evening was organised by a committee led by ICR Trustee, Isabelle Hotimksy and supported by the ICR’s Development Office.
In the stunning surroundings of Quaglinos, guests heard from Lucy O’Donnell, author and cancer life coach, and stage, television and film actor Ian Liston. Both gave passionate and frank accounts of their personal experiences with cancer, but highlighted that ground breaking research gives us good reason to be hopeful.
The gala dinner was preceded by a debate where five top speakers – each of them leaders in their fields – gave their views on the future of cancer research to a packed audience at the Royal Society.
Acclaimed writer Will Self, oncologist Professor Karol Sikora, ICR Chairman and entrepreneur Luke Johnson, and the ICR’s Professor Paul Workman and Professor Johann de Bono, each gave their perspective on how we can defeat cancer.
Lara Jukes, Director of Development at the ICR, said: “We are so pleased to have raised such a fantastic amount for the ICR at our first gala dinner. The ICR is reliant upon the generosity and goodwill of our donors who all play their part in helping us to make the discoveries that defeat cancer. I am immensely grateful to Isabelle Hotimsky and her committee, and to our guests who were all incredibly generous with their support.”
For more information on how you can support the ICR or become a member of The Discovery Club, please contact Louise Dean, Development Manager, on 020 8722 4371 or by email at [email protected].