Leukaemia & Lymphoma NI Celebrates 60th Anniversary and Smashes Fundraising Targets

The milestone event exceeded all expectations, not only in its elegance but also in its fundraising efforts. Originally setting out to raise £60,000, LLNI smashed that target, bringing in an astounding over £100,000—surpassing their goal by over £40,000.

The evening was an emotional and inspiring occasion, filled with hope and celebration. Guests enjoyed exceptional food, entertainment, and moving speeches, including a heartfelt address from LLNI Chairman Richard Buchanan. The night also featured a series of emotive short videos from the charity's 'Giving Hope' campaign, sharing powerful stories of loss, survival, and the ongoing need for research to improve blood cancer treatments and outcomes.

On the night, funds were raised through a series of exciting raffles and a highly anticipated auction featuring ten exclusive 'experience' packages. The auction, with the support of Wilsons Auctions, included standout prizes such as an Italian feast sponsored by Delizia, a Scottish castle weekend, and a luxurious ‘ladies who lunch’ package, which featured a JW Anderson handbag, a stay at the Culloden Hotel, a BPerfect makeover, and afternoon tea at The Merchant.

Generous individuals and local companies, including The Ivy, Hastings Hotels, Galgorm Spa, and Royal Portrush Golf Club, contributed exceptional prizes for the night.

One of the evening’s most thrilling moments came when host Pamela Ballantine announced the winning raffle ticket for a 1.52-carat diamond necklace, generously donated by Eleanor Wolfenden Orr of Kennedy Wolfenden Antiques and Jewellery. The diamond, valued at £20,000, was won by Sally Holmes from Dungannon.

Also adding to the night’s excitement was the arrival of two extraordinary guests, Jack Wyse and Michael Elborn, who arrived to the ball fresh from completing a gruelling 100km run in memory of their friend, Simon Robinson. Despite running for nearly 16 hours, they joined the gala full of energy, dancing the night away. Their incredible effort has raised an additional £17,000 including Gift Aid for the charity, adding yet another layer of inspiration to an already remarkable evening.

Richard Buchanan, Chair of Leukemia & Lymphoma Northern Ireland expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all those involved: "This gala has been a truly unforgettable celebration of the incredible work being done in the fight against blood cancer. We are overwhelmed by the generosity of our supporters who have gone above and beyond to help us continue our mission.

“The total funds raised will go directly towards LLNI’s ongoing efforts to support life-saving research, improve patient outcomes, and raise awareness of blood cancer across Northern Ireland.

“I want to thank everyone involved, our supporters, those who donated and helped organised a great evening, I would like to extend a further thanks to Eleanor and Sam Orr, Brigid Napier and Michael Cafolla. It truly was an exceptional evening, filled with unforgettable moments and immense generosity. “

Watch the highlights from the ball over at LLNI facebook or by visiting - https://fb.watch/v4L7mGpijT/