Hundreds of guests joined us at Titanic Hotel Liverpool on 18 September for the North West Cancer Research Gala Dinner & Awards. The evening brought together researchers, fundraisers, volunteers and supporters from across the region to celebrate their contributions to our work.
Hosted by Greatest Hits Radio presenter Simon ‘Rossie’ Ross, the evening recognised achievements across 14 awards. We celebrated researchers advancing our understanding of cancer, supporters who have given their time and energy to the charity, and young people whose dedication to KidsCan has made a lasting impact.
Congratulations to our 2026 award winners
Rising Star in Research – Vi Thanendran
Fundraising Event – Pub 2 Pub Half Marathon
Research Advocate – Dr Seamus Coyle
Individual Fundraiser – David Pugh
Excellence in Clinical Research – Dr Kelechi Njoku
Corporate Supporter – James James Kitchens
Chief Executive Award – Mr Dale Vimalachandran
Dedication to the Cause Award – The Long Paddle
Corporate Supporter – Home Bargains
Patient Impact – Dr Christopher Gaffney
Volunteer of the Year – Jane Sinclair
Children’s Cancer Champion – Emma, Oliver and Hughie
Excellence in Research – Prof. Ainhoa Mielgo and Prof. Michael Schmid
Chair’s Award – Laurence Barrow
Guests also supported the charity through a raffle and auction, with prizes ranging from theatre tickets and hotel stays to football memorabilia and race days at Chester Racecourse. Their generosity helped raise thousands of pounds for life-saving cancer research.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and to our headline sponsor, Corporate Connections, and award sponsors Bond Turner, CAMS, Biofortuna and Brabners for helping make the evening possible.
