Charity Balls | beyondcancer

Fundraising Ball 24 May 2025 at The Marriott Hotel, Leeds

We held our 9th Charity Fundraising Ball at the Leeds Marriott Hotel on 24 May 2025. Our aim this year was to support bowel cancer research through Leeds Hospitals Charity and our own work at Beyond Cancer.

We are pleased to announce that we raised a total of £8017. This meant we were able to donate £3,500.00 for the work of Bowel Cancer in Leeds. We would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your valuable support. We couldn't do this without you.

Our work will continue in supporting those living with or diagnosed with cancer. In addition our aim is to raise awareness of prevention and seeking early diagnosis. If you need support or advice do get in touch we are here to help.

Once again, we thank you all for your generous support.

Guest Speaker, Professor David Jayne
Professor of Surgery at the University of Leeds and Hon. Consultant Surgeon at LTHT.

David is Bowel Cancer UK & RCS Engl. Professor of Surgery at the University of Leeds and Hon. Consultant Surgeon at LTHT. His clinical interests include robotic and minimally invasive surgery for colorectal cancer. He is Chief Investigator for several NIHR portfolio clinical trials, including MRC/EME/NIHR ROLARR, HTA/NIHR FIAT, HTA/NIHR SaFaRI, and MRC/EME/NIHR IntAct.

He is Director of Leeds Institute for Medical Research, Clinical Director of the Leeds NIHR HealthTech Research Centre, and Clinical Director for the Leeds RCS Eng. Surgical Trials Centre. He sits on several funding panels, including NIHR Advanced Fellowships, NIHR i4i PDA, and NHSE/SBRI Cancer Innovations Awards. His translational research interests include the development and early phase evaluation of surgical technologies.

Cheque presentation with Beyond Cancer Board Members

Left-right: Valerie Francis (Trustee), Pat Saunders (Secretary), Professor David Jayne, Michelle Derbyshire (Leeds Hospitals Charity), Jackie Claxton-Ruddock (Chair)

The ‘Beyond Cancer Listening Ear and Hands that Hold Award’ was renamed in memory of Carol Thomas, a loving wife and mother who at the age of only 47, lost her fight against breast cancer in 2013.

The Carol Thomas Listening Ear and Hands that Hold Award is given to an individual who has been identified for the support they have given to others with a cancer diagnosis. This year we had two recipients; Tyrone Lawrence and Lauren McKenzie.

Tyrone Lawrence

Lauren McKenzie

Performers on the evening

Crib Ent

Crib Ent is a powerhouse three-man band delivering a timeless yet modern fusion of pop, R&B, funk, and soul. Fredlin - lead singer and Pianist, Temi- bassist, Fritzson - Drummer; brings soulful melodies, infectious grooves, and electrifying performances that captivate audiences.

Inspired by icons like The Gap Band, Maroon 5, and Silk Sonic, Crib Ent seamlessly blends smooth vocals, rich instrumentation, and infectious grooves, crafting songs that make you feel just as much as they make you move. With their versatility and magnetic stage presence, they’re more than just a band they’re a musical experience.

RJC Dance

The RJC Dance Adult Community Dance Class is for men and women 18yrs+, and they meet every Thursday from 7pm-8pm at the Mandela Centre.

This adult dance class is ideal for anyone looking to improve their dance skills, rediscover their rhythm, meet new people and have fun. They work with a variety of different dance styles from Reggae, Jazz, Contemporary and Carnival. Prepare for life, keep fit and healthy with RJC Dance! No previous dance experience is necessary.

Carmen

A talented 14 year old singer, Carmen's goal is to captivate audiences through a mix of dynamic performances. Carmen sings a variety of genres ranging from RnB to Motown, Pop, Reggae and Musical Theatre.

She's performed at many events including conferences, Fashion Shows and the King's Coronation.