Black tie dinner with friends and supporters at the House of Commons
The Chartwell Charities hosted its first black tie charity event for 2023 at the House of Commons on Friday 9th June. An opportunity for attendees to experience fine dining at its best in one of the world’s most famous venues steeped in history, a wonderful way to thank supporters for their amazing contributions and efforts towards varying appeals and projects for Chartwell.
Pre-dinner drinks were very much enjoyed on the Thames River Balcony taking in the glorious views of London in the warm sunshine. Before dinner, ‘The Oncology Guide’ App creator, Charley Bennett, provided an exciting update on the App’s development sharing some exclusive video footage, to illustrate a glimpse of what is to come.
Senior Hon Trustee, Michael Douglas, then warmly welcomed everyone before sitting down to a sumptuous five course banquet. After dinner, Chartwell Trustee, Natalie Reilly, personally thanked supporters for their superb achievements. Michael then introduced Karen Powell, the driving force behind ‘Sophie’s Wish’ lodge located on the Isle of Wight. This extra special facility allowing oncology families to enjoy fully funded holidays in a safe environment for neutropenic children, a place to reconnect and recharge and a home from home to enjoy life beyond cancer.
Karen’s heart-warming speech was followed by oncology nurses Laura Tyler and Sarah Mclaggan from Croydon University Hospital. They spoke about the newly transformed oncology unit, £750,000 funded by The Chartwell Cancer Trust, part of the new paediatric Rainbow Children’s Ward and the positive impact it has had on the Croydon oncology community, as well as the other support services the charity provides on an ongoing basis.
The evening drew to a close not before everyone was treated to a fantastic sing-a-long with, Georg Tormann and an enthralling speech by the Rt Hon Chris Philp, Conservative MP for Croydon.
