NORTH East cancer charity FACT (Fighting All Cancers Together) has raised over £20,000 at its annual charity ball, which was held at the Hilton Hotel in Gateshead in celebration of the charity’s 10th birthday.
The evening saw a number of guests take to the stage, including FACT service users, FACT patron and consultant surgeon Kevin Clark and North East treasure Alfie Joey.
Founder and CEO at FACT, Joanne Smith, said: “Our annual charity ball was a particularly special one this year, as we’re marking FACT’s 10th anniversary.
“I’m incredibly proud of how much money was raised, and would like to thank Barclays for kindly helping reach grand total with their volunteers and match funding.
“FACT wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for the endless help and efforts of its supporters, and it is fundraising events such as this one that really show how amazing the FACT family is.
“To continue our 10th birthday celebrations, there’ll be lots of fundraising activities and events throughout the year to raise vital funds for our regional cancer charity.”
Ruby Harper, aged 70, has been going to FACT for support since the charity launched 10 years ago. Her husband was terminally ill, and has since passed away. Ruby said: “I can’t thank FACT enough for their kindness since the very first time I contacted them – they are my FACT Family and Joanne is one of the kindest and most caring people I know.”
43-year-old mum of two Laura Hall has incurable cancer, and spoke at the charity ball about how FACT supports her and her two girls, and said she would not be the person she is today without FACT’s help and support.
As well as plenty of fundraising activities and raffles, the event had guest performances from the Blue Light Choir, and a bespoke song was written and performed by fire fighter Stu Hagon, dedicated to FACT. The evening came to a close with a live performance from local band, The Dark Horses.
FACT provides essential support services including everything from counselling for children and adults, social events, awareness sessions, mastectomy bra fitting evenings, fitness classes, pampering and beauty sessions to providing ‘kindness kits’ of essentials such as toiletries, food and clothing for those facing financial pressures during treatment.
If you or a friend or family member would benefit from support whilst living with cancer please contact FACT on 0191 442 0833 or go to www.fact-cancersupport.co.uk.
FACT is currently appealing for donations for a new telephone system after experiencing technical issues over Christmas. Its current system urgently needs to be replaced so the team can keep in touch with cancer patients and service users. To make a donation please go to https://www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/fact-cancersupport/newphonesforfact?social_utm_term=559nxeii0