The UCARE Gala Dinner

Blenheim Palace, 17th April 2008

The UCARE Gala Dinner celebrated the official launch of our new charity with a commitment to work together to improve the treatment and care of people with cancer.

“Raising money can be fun and this was certainly the case at UCARE's Gala Dinner. Our guests were in generous mood, so much so that we can now begin to recruit our very first cancer research scientist - one of the principal aims of UCARE. A big thank you to all involved……what a night!” Ian Kirkham, Chair to the UCARE Trustees

David Cranston (Trustee) shared the vision behind UCARE. With over 55,000 new cases of urological cancers being diagnosed each year, there is an urgent need to develop new ways of fighting cancers in the prostate, kidney, bladder and testis. Andy Ripley, former England and British Lions rugby player, described his own personal battle with prostate cancer and stressed that there was still a long way to go in raising people's awareness about urological cancers.

Guest speaker, Martin Bayfield, entertained the diners with tales from his time as a rugby international player. This was followed by a charity auction, conducted by Clive Stewart-Lockhart, in aid of urological cancer research. Over £18,000 was raised on the night through the generosity of the guests. This was complemented by a very significant donation of £32,000 from Everest which was presented by Ian Kirkham.

Boulevard Swing Jazz Band

Guests arriving

UCARE Trustees with guest speakers Andy Ripley and Martin Bayfield

Ian Kirkham welcomes our guests

Martin Bayfield entertaining us with tales from his rugby playing days

Enjoying dinner in the Orangery

Professor Feng Wu and Dr Val Macaulay who are conducting research into urological cancers

Peter Cranston, UCARE's magician for the night

Our auctioneer, Clive Stewart-Lockhart, in action

Thank you to everyone who donated items for our auction and raffle

Our graphic display was kindly donated by Dijon Designs.

UCARE would like to thank the following

• Our speakers: Martin Bayfield and Andy Ripley
• Our MC: Michael Heal
• Our auctioneer: Clive Stewart-Lockhart
• Our photographer: Nick White
• All auction and raffle donors
• Our trustees, supporters and volunteers whose combined efforts made the evening possible.
• Daisies Flower Shop for the beautiful flower display