FUNDRAISING FOR A CURE
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A garden charity ball organised by Dorset couple Clare and Guy Schwinge (pictured) has raised an astonishing £140,000 for PLANETS Cancer Charity, making it the charity’s most successful fundraising event to date.
Held in a marquee at the couple’s home near Dorchester, the Studio 54-themed evening welcomed more than 300 guests for a night of fine dining, entertainment and fundraising in memory of Clare’s school friend, Nickie Butler, who died from pancreatic cancer in 2023.
Inspired by Nickie’s memory and having also lost other close friends and family members to cancer, Clare and Guy took on the challenge of creating their own fundraising event to support PLANETS and the patients the charity helps.
Guests enjoyed a bespoke menu designed by celebrity chef and PLANETS patron Lesley Waters, a close friend of Clare’s, while silent and live auctions featured an array of exclusive prizes donated by friends, businesses and supporters.
The evening also included raffles, games and dancing, helping to raise a record-breaking total for the charity.
The event was supported by title sponsors Oberon, EpicPrint, Handelsbanken, Preston Redman Solicitors and CG Fry & Son Builders, whose generosity, alongside that of many other businesses and individuals, helped make the evening such a success.
Professor Alex Mirnezami, a consultant colorectal surgeon at University Hospital Southampton and part of the PLANETS medical team, also addressed guests during the evening.
He highlighted the impact the charity continues to make through pioneering research, innovative treatments and enhanced support for patients with pancreatic, liver, colorectal, oesophageal, gastric and neuroendocrine cancers.
Clare said: “Nickie’s death, together with the loss of other people close to me, strengthened my determination to help make a difference. PLANETS is achieving remarkable things, funding pioneering treatments, specialist equipment and patient support, and every donation contributes directly to improving care and outcomes for patients and their families.
“The support from our friends, family, sponsors and everyone who attended has been overwhelming. To have raised £140,000 is beyond anything Guy and I imagined and we’re incredibly proud to support such an important cause.”
Jo Green, director of operations and marketing at PLANETS, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Clare, Guy, their wonderful event committee and all of the sponsors who pulled together what was a truly spectacular evening. Clare poured her heart and soul into this event in memory of Nickie, working tirelessly for months to ensure everything ran seamlessly and that everyone had a fantastic time.
“To raise £140,000 in a single evening is simply phenomenal and makes this the biggest fundraising event in PLANETS’ history. The generosity shown by everyone involved will make a genuine difference to patients and families affected by cancer across our region.”
She added: “PLANETS would also like to thank our dedicated volunteers Louise, Lorraine, Karen and Lizzi who generously gave their time to support the event. Their willingness to step in and help wherever needed was invaluable and played an important part in the evening’s success.”
READ ABOUT HOW FUNDS ARE USED
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