HNCF holds annual Winter Ball fundraising gala event
Our Winter Ball was held at the Crowne Plaza, Marlow, Buckinghamshire, on Friday 25th November 2022 in order to kick off the festive season in style. We saw hundreds gather to raise awareness and funds for us.
Chairman Sir Frederick Hervey-Bathurst said: "The charity means everything to me. It means people who suffer cancers, head and neck, don't have invasive, traumatic surgery - which is the norm. Professor Mark McGurk has pioneered a new technique that is less invasive and traumatic and enables people to recover far more quickly and live a normal life. We aim at funding new methods of treating head and neck cancers, that go beyond the current standard of surgical procedures, which can impact sight, hearing, taste and smell. The charity funds treatments provided by the NHS. I really hope people go away from the ball with awareness, I really hope people go away and look at our website and how to check your mouth for cancer. I also hope we raise funds for the charity, which are put directly into training surgeons and techniques."
The evening of glitz and glam raised money for the charity through a raffle, a silent auction, and donations.
Our CEO Michelle Vickers, said: "This is about fun, we are here for a particularly horrible type of cancer. I didn't particularly want this evening to be about the what, but about what we are doing. We are really going to try and celebrate our survivors."
A short video and speech were given to those in attendance discussing the charity's role in the development of new head and neck cancer treatments. There was a complimentary bar and a three-course gala meal overlooking the venue’s beautiful lake. The night consisted of entertainment, music and comedy from a number of performers, followed by an open dance floor and live band. A number of UK businesses and supporters donated high-ticket prizes and ‘money can’t buy’ experiences to be won during the live auction and raffle draws. We will also welcomed a number of local dignitaries, members of the press, influencers and celebrities.