Weston Park Cancer Charity Race Evening hits £250,000 fundraising landmark in sixth year

This year’s evening, sponsored by Ant Marketing, was held on June 2nd and saw thousands of spectators support the charity by raising a record £52,500 to fund life-altering cancer support, enhanced treatment experiences and vital research – ensuring the one in two people living with cancer receive the best possible care.

Hundreds of free tickets were also generously provided by Doncaster Racecourse for patients at Weston Park Cancer Centre, and their families. Staff from Weston Park Hospital were also able to attend for free.

The £250,000 raised in the event’s lifetime is enough to fund the work of six research nurses for one year, or run four of the charity’s free transport service minibuses twice a day, five days a week for a total 84 weeks.

Generous contributions by racegoers on the day added to the impressive fundraising total. Ticket packages including dinner and drinks were followed by live and silent auctions, while outside Weston Park Cancer Charity staff and volunteers busily held raffles, tombolas and collected donations as people enjoyed the summer sun.

Well-known broadcaster Bobby Beevers kindly joined the charity as race evening announcer from the parade ring. Races were sponsored by Ant Marketing, Alan Wood Plumbing and Heating, Blueline Taxis, Napoleons Casinos, Hallam FM and Westfield Health.

Weston Park Cancer Charity also asked guests to wear their best purple outfits for a well-received ‘best dressed’ competition.

Darren Hayes, head of fundraising at Weston Park Cancer Charity, said: “We’re delighted with the success of the Ant Marketing Weston Park Cancer Charity Race Evening, which has gone from strength to strength since we began our partnership with Doncaster Racecourse six years ago.

“When we realised we were able to reach the £250,000 mark, we set that as our target for this year – knowing we had to aim for our biggest-ever Race Evening to get there. We knew it was ambitious, but we also know how generous the people who support our charity can be.

“We’d like to say a massive thank you to all our supporters, patrons and trustees, to Doncaster Racecourse, to the companies who sponsored each race, and to everyone who came to enjoy a great evening of racing while raising vital funds to support those living with cancer in our region.

“It’s testament to how crucial the work of Weston Park Cancer Charity is that people still want to give so generously to our cause, especially in the current climate.”

Anthony Hinchliffe, chief executive of headline sponsor Ant Marketing and charity patron, has a personal connection with the charity having been treated for bowel cancer at Weston Park in 2017. He said: “Weston Park Cancer Charity is one of Sheffield's finest world-class organisations. They provide absolute excellence in cancer care and research – in the most caring and supportive way possible.

“I know from personal experience – the entire team is quite amazing.

“Weston Park Cancer Charity is a wonderful team of dedicated people who raise funds to help individuals and also fund innovative research to hopefully save lives.

“Ant Marketing have been delighted to support in every way possible – and this will continue."