The David Adams Leukaemia Appeal Fund

Newsletter 2006 - 2007

The David Adams Leukaemia Appeal Fund was set up in memory of the late David Adams, whose life was prolonged by The Royal Marsden Hospital for two years after his initial diagnosis of leukaemia.

During those two years, he raised many thousands of pounds for the hospital, and his efforts have since been continued by his family and friends. It is fifteen years since the Appeal Fund was set up and, having supported Research Doctors for many years, we have now been asked to raise funds for a new, state-of-the-art Haemato-Oncology Unit.

We shall continue to support The David Adams Nurses' Library, which was founded in 2003; we have an ongoing commitment to fund new books and resources, thus enabling the continual education and training of nurses. We shall also continue to fund the annual outpatients' Christmas party in the Leukaemia Unit.

Events 2006

Valentine Social

One of our supporters very kindly offered to host an event for us in her own home. What started life as a "singles" evening rapidly became a Valentine Social for everyone, with "singles" made especially welcome. And what a welcome it was! A magnificent home with room enough for everyone, delicious canapes, quantities of wine and beer and lots of like-minded guests to chat to. And we raised £1967.75'

February Fools Cricket Match

The last weekend in February is developing a reputation for freezing weather, if not snow. Our two teams of broadcasters and thespians (and anyone else daft enough to volunteer!) very gamely took to the crease armed with a couple of bottles of whisky whilst the rest of us watched from the warmth of the clubhouse. Huge thanks are due to Henry Kelly and Adrian Mills, our team captains, along with Matthew Home, Graham Seed, Michael Simkins and everyone else who turned out for our cause.

The cricketers had a fantastic day, despite everything, and said they had never scored so many runs! The "Man of the Match" trophy was won by Sandy Warr, the first lady to play throughout the day, who also happened to take a wicket on her first ball.

The Grace Cup 7-a-side Cricket Challenge

Despite heavy rain the previous evening, the day of the Cup dawned clear, if not sunny. Seven teams enjoyed a great day of cricket, with Osborne Clarke winning the Cup for the first time. Entertainments during the day included a wonderful steel band and Romany, our favourite magician. We also had a silent auction with an assortment of prizes including a week's holiday for two to Madeira and a signed Arsenal team photo. Overall, the day raised £11,552 which is a wonderful result.

60's Night

This regular winter event had to be postponed until May this year so, with a new band as well, it was "all change". We still had our usual fantastic curry supper, though, and thoroughly enjoyed the new tunes played by the Fallen Angels.

Golf Extravaganza

Despite the most torrential rain, everyone enjoyed themselves as usual and nearly everyone stayed the course! £35,900 was raised in total, a wonderful amount considering that only 100 guests attend the day.

"Crystal" Grace Ball

This year, to celebrate our new corporate partner, Crystal Cruises, we themed our Grace Ball in their honour and, we have to say, Genevieve, a Committee member, did us all proud with the most spectacular decor ever! Our Ball was moved to November for the first time (due to something called the World Cup taking place in June!), and it seems to have been a successful move as we had more guests than ever before (350) and raised in excess of £70,000. We were thrilled to have both Ainsley Harriott and John "Fingers" Fingleton doing our auction, and a new band entertained us all until the small hours.

Other stuff

One of our supporters works at the Royal Opera House and played the lead role in a Christmas dvd version of "Amarillo" for their Christmas party. It was such a huge success that everyone wanted to buy a copy, and Jim very generously donated the £1000 profits to us.

One of our Committee Members, Bill Cameron, very kindly volunteered to produce a film for our charity. It had its first airing at the Golf Day, and was then shown at the Grace Ball to universal acclaim. It was very moving, and we are very grateful to Bill for creating it.

Sad News

Henry Kelly, Claudie Blakely & William Franklyn