On Friday 18th November 2022, the John King Brain Tumour Foundation hosted a Black-Tie Fundraising Dinner at the truly deluxe Corinthia Hotel, London to raise funds towards our work.
Along with our 135 esteemed guests, our Compere for the evening was national treasure and Grand Dame of Pantomime Christopher Biggins and our accomplished auctioneer was Jeffrey Archer, English novelist and life peer.
Before the evenings proceedings the one and only ‘Biggins’ conducted a very funny twist in the ‘heads and tails’ game and renamed it ‘Kings & Queens’, a nod to John & Laura King!
During the evening guests had opportunity hear from some inspirational speakers including our Charity Patron Henry Marsh CBE, who provided a unique and heart-rending insight into his work as a neurosurgeon and to the life changing benefits of hospital gardens, along with another of our Charity Patrons Richard Sullivan who spoke so emotionally about his Brian Tumour journey and why he and his family set up “Project 21” to raise significant funds for our charity.
The evening was distinguished by exquisite food, terrific entertainment, a silent auction, and a live auction with amazing prizes including a Ritz Hotel Stay and Dining Experience & Roja Dove Experience, A Year Of Eating Lavishly at a Dozen of The Finest UK Restaurants, Seven Night Stay For Sixteen Guests At CHALET LE YETI, Spencer Metzger, Head Chef at The Ritz to Cook in Your Own Home, Lunch with Christopher Biggins, A Rare Limited Edition Authentic Signed 2003 England Rugby Shirt and a truly stunning Emma Rodgers Peacock Sculpture.
Our fundraising activities on the night has significantly helped raise funds towards our next project, to create a ‘Forest in the Sky’ roof garden adjacent to the Neuro ICU unit at the Atkinson Morley Wing, The Neuro ICU garden will offer the opportunity to have a restful space for critical care patients, carers and loved ones who are all recovering from the impact of extremely difficult and traumatic circumstances. It promises to have benefits to rehabilitation as patients become re-acquainted with the outside world and use their senses to stimulate the healing process.
Our heartfelt thanks go to all those who supported such an amazing evening.
Images courtesy of Imelda Turnock
