Hull Business Community Raises £35,000 for Cancer Research UK

Hull’s business community has raised £35,000 for Cancer Research UK following the inaugural Business Beats Cancer Hull & East Riding gala dinner, marking a strong start towards an ambitious £100,000 fundraising target for 2026.

The event, held at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Hull, brought together over 240 business leaders and guests from across the region in a shared effort to fund life-saving cancer research. The evening also marked the formal launch of the Hull & East Riding fundraising board, a volunteer-led initiative uniting senior figures from across the local business community.

The £35,000 raised on the night represents 35% of the board’s annual target, with further pledges continuing to come in following the event. The result places Hull firmly on the map as a growing force in regional fundraising efforts for Cancer Research UK.

Chaired by Gary Gallen, founder and CEO of rradar, the board is made up of seven local business leaders, each committing to personal fundraising challenges throughout the year.

Event highlights included:

– Hosted by Gemma Oaten, who brought warmth, energy and authenticity to the evening. Gemma spoke openly about her personal connection to the cause following her father’s cancer diagnosis, striking an immediate and emotional chord with guests.
– A deeply moving keynote address from Angela Gregory, who is living with incurable cancer. Angela shared her journey through two diagnoses, contrasting a challenging first experience marked by a lack of workplace support with a second diagnosis strengthened by compassion from her current employer. She reflected on the lessons her journey has brought, learning to embrace life, seize opportunities and find joy, leaving guests with a powerful reminder that “we are all worth it”.
– A high-impact charity auction, featuring an exceptional range of prizes including Porsche Experience Days at Silverstone, luxury lodge stays at Laceby Manor, hospitality tickets for the Autumn Internationals at the Allianz Stadium, Foo Fighters tickets and more, helping drive significant fundraising on the night.

Gary Gallen, Chair, Business Beats Cancer Hull & East Riding, and Founder & CEO of the rradar group commented, “The evening was incredibly special, both for what we achieved together and for what it means to me personally. Cancer has had a profound impact on my own family, which is why this cause matters so deeply to me. To see Hull’s business community come together with such generosity, warmth and shared purpose has been incredible, but this is only the beginning. We are building something meaningful for Hull and East Yorkshire, and every pound raised takes us a step closer to helping beat cancer.”

Turning momentum into action across 2026

The gala dinner marks the starting point of a year-long programme of fundraising activity, with board members taking on personal challenges to drive further support and awareness.

Confirmed challenges include Hull Race for Life, London Marathon, London to Amsterdam Ride for Life 2026, Great North Run, The Last Degree Challenge (including a summit of Mount Vinson in Antarctica followed by skiing to the South Pole).

A wider calendar of activity is also being developed, with opportunities for local businesses and individuals to get involved throughout the year.

A growing role for Hull’s business community

The launch of the Hull & East Riding board reflects a wider movement of regional business communities stepping up to support major national causes, with Hull businesses playing an increasingly active role in fundraising and social impact.

With early momentum already building, the board is now focused on expanding participation across the region to reach and exceed its £100,000 target.

How to get involved

Businesses and individuals across Hull and East Yorkshire can support the initiative or take part in upcoming fundraising activities by visiting: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/get-involved/volunteer/help-us-raise-money/beats-cancer/business-beats-cancer/hull-and-east-riding