Manx Cancer Help will celebrate its 30th anniversary with a spectacular May Ball, co-sponsored by SMP Partners and Kleinwort Benson, and attended by MCH Patron James Toseland. The singer-songwriter and former Superbike World Champion will be joined at the ball on May 11 by his wife Katie Melua, the chart-topping singer-songwriter.
Manx Cancer Help launched its anniversary year at a special event sponsored by SMP Partners in February. Now it has outlined plans for one of the highlights of the celebrations.
The ball will begin at 7pm with a Champagne reception, and during the evening the 180 guests will enjoy a three-course meal and musical entertainment from emerging and established local artists, led by The Waltons, an all-star line-up of Manx talent which includes Christy DeHaven, Anna Goldsmith, Simon, Paul and Dave from Truman Falls and Jonny Peacock of Stonechase and UberRoom.
It promises to be one of the year’s outstanding social events, and Mark Denton, Managing Director of SMP Partners, the Island’s leading independent trust and corporate services provider, is delighted to be involved.
‘We were very pleased to sponsor the launch of the 30th anniversary year for the charity and delighted to continue our sponsorship with the May Ball,’ he explained. ‘It is just such a relevant cause. Just about everyone, directly or indirectly, knows someone who is affected by cancer.’
‘This charity provides direct and valuable support to people living with cancer from the clinical to many, many other aspects of life which are impacted, such as finances and logistics. There is help for families and children, really anyone affected by it.’
‘MCH is also a local charity, so all the money raised is spent here, supporting local families. This important work is entirely funded by donation, and it is a great cause we can support directly. We are honoured to be supporting the May Ball, and delighted to work with Kleinwort Benson on this event,’ Mr Denton added.
Mike Hennessy, Head of Isle of Man at Private Banking , Trust and Custody services provider Kleinwort Benson, said: ‘Although this is the charity’s 30th anniversary, we have really only begun to fully appreciate Manx Cancer Help’s work in the last two or three years.’
‘I think the team at Manx Cancer Help do a fantastic job and Kleinwort Benson is delighted to be associated with and supporting that work.’
Established in 1983, Manx Cancer Help provides essential emotional support and expert counselling for cancer patients, their families, carers and friends. It offers a series of free, confidential sessions, face-to-face and over the phone, to anyone affected by a cancer diagnosis.
Ally Martin, of Manx Cancer Help, said: ‘The May Ball will be one of the highlights of our 30th anniversary celebrations, helping to raise vital funds, but also, importantly, awareness of our work and the services we offer. We are delighted and grateful that our Patron James and his wife Katie will be able to attend and once again share their enthusiasm for the charity’s work.’
‘The work of Manx Cancer Help is only possible thanks to the generous support of the Island community, and I am thrilled SMP Partners is continuing its involvement by becoming co-sponsor of the May Ball. I am also proud to welcome Kleinwort Benson as co-sponsor, and immensely grateful to both for helping us make the ball what I know will be a wonderful evening. The May Ball is set to be a huge success, and a fantastic opportunity not only to raise money, but also for our guests to learn more about Manx Cancer Help and how our work benefits the Island.’
Photo - (from left) Ally Martin, Fund Raising Events Co-Ordinator, Manx Cancer Help, Mike Hennessy, Head of Isle of Man, Kleinwort Benson, Mark Denton, Managing Director, SMP Partners, Andrea Chambers, Chief Executive Officer, Manx Cancer Help.
