This week, Black Country businesses came together to show their support for their local hospital charity and raised a whopping £20,207 for the cancer appeal.

For the fifth year, the Dudley Group NHS Charity, part of The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, hosted their iconic annual Glitter Ball on Thursday 25th September at the Copthorne Hotel in Dudley. Gathering local businesses together, the evening offered the opportunity for attendees to raise funds for the charity and network with other like-minded Black Country businesses.

The cancer appeal helps make cancer patients and their loved ones' journeys less overwhelming by funding world-class care, comfort, and support across the Dudley Group and in the community.

With the funds raised, the charity will be purchasing alternative therapies for all cancer patients being treated at the Dudley Group. Alternative therapies such as reiki, aromatherapy, yoga, and acupuncture can help ease the cancer symptoms from treatment. Alternative therapies can help to cope better with symptoms caused by the cancer, or side effects caused by cancer treatment.

The event was kindly sponsored by Halesowen College, Dudley College of Technology, Summit Healthcare, How to find a Care Home and Trust Marque.

Halesowen College principal and chief executive, Jacquie Carman, said:

“This is the first year that Halesowen College has been involved in the Glitter Ball and it is a marvellous opportunity to come together as a community to raise funds for an amazing cause. Whatever your role is in supporting this, I would really recommend taking part.

My favourite part of the evening has got to be hearing the stories of people who are cancer warriors, who have fought cancer and are now raising money selflessly for other people to benefit. It is humbling and it makes me realise what an amazing job we have got to do in terms of making sure that we supply the talent pipeline for nursing and other jobs within the NHS for the future.”

Guests were treated to a wonderful evening of entertainment including welcome drinks and a two-course meal, as well as music from the resident DJ and entertainment from Bhangra Smash Up. They had an opportunity to hear from our former patients and fundraisers Andy Mullaney and Kirsty Priest, who both shared their cancer journeys with the guests.

Other businesses and their teams in attendance included JackWolf Group, Waldron Solicitor’s, and Lawrence Cleaning. The event managed to raise an amazing £20,207 which included some generous donations to raffle and auction prizes.

Diane Wake, chief executive for The Dudley Group added:

"I extend our heartfelt thanks to our sponsors, local businesses, and supporters for standing behind such a vital cause. The Glitter Ball has been a shining example of generosity and unity in support of our cancer patients across the Trust. Every donation makes a meaningful difference, providing essential care and support to those living with cancer".

If you would like to know more about the charity and fundraising opportunities, please contact dgft.fundraising@nhs.net.