Welcome to the Hope Against Cancer Business Newsletter.
We are proud to announce that the April Business Lunch has been generously sponsored by the Take Me Group. Hope Against Cancer is grateful for their continued and invaluable support.
You can find out more about Take Me on the back cover of this newsletter. It has, and continues to be, a time of transition at HOPE.
In December we announced that Chief Executive Nigel Rose will be stepping down from his position and moving to the south coast to live and work.
Nigel has been with HOPE for over a decade and he has seen the Hope Clinical Trials Facility transformed into the Hope Cancer Trials Centre, which is one of the jewels in the crown of local cancer research and care.
We are delighted to introduce you to Paul Desborough who has been appointed as our new Chief Executive.
Paul spent 31 years in the military as a soldier and an officer and has spent the last 10 years at a senior director level in the public and private sector. He has a master’s degree in Strategic Leadership and Management, he is a keen sportsman and a qualified mountain guide.
Paul said, “it’s a privilege to lead Hope Against Cancer into the future and to support research that will have a profound impact for generations to come”.
We would also like to introduce you to Jess Francks who has joined the Hope Team as our new Fundraising and Digital Support Officer.
We continue to mourn the loss of our ambassador Alice Greaves in February and we pay tribute to her in this newsletter.
Thank you all for your fantastic support. Our Board of Trustees has big plans for expansion in the East Midlands to support more people and innovative research and we can only do it with your help.
Meet the Speakers
Dr Matt Ahearne
Dr Matt Ahearne studied Medicine at the University of Leicester before working as a junior doctor across the East Midlands and subsequently undertaking speciality training in haematology.
Matt is now a haematology consultant with a focus on lymphoma and clinical diagnostics.
In 2021, Matt was awarded Leicester’s first Medical Research Council (MRC) Academic Research Partnership Award and will be speaking to us about his vital work.
Tony Wallis
Now in his 5 year on a clinical trial at the Hope Cancer Trials Centre, Tony will provide a powerful perspective on life with a rare blood cancer, including his thoughts on his journey and the vital importance of continued research and the funding that supports it.
Hope Against Cancer announces departure of Chief Executive, Nigel Rose
Hope Against Cancer is saddened to announce that Nigel Rose, our Chief Executive, will be leaving the charity after 12 years of dedicated leadership. He has plans to depart for the south coast where he will join his partner to live and work.
In his time with HOPE there have been many changes, but through each one Nigel and the team have remained focused on our goals and overall purpose so that one day we will overcome cancer.
Notably, HOPE continued with its vital work through the pandemic when Nigel, the office team, Trustees, supporters and friends helped to mobilise businesses, trusts and the community to raise well over £1.25 million to transform the Hope Clinical Trials Facility at the Leicester Royal Infirmary into the remarkable Hope Cancer Trials Centre, doubling the size of our unit to allow many more people to benefit from cutting edge trials.
The new Centre, under the leadership of Dr Harriet Walter, has taken the incredible work already being done by its predecessor and brought more beds, chemotherapy chairs and treatment opportunities for local people with cancer.
In a time that has seen recession, the cost-of-living crisis and other strains on the charity sector, Nigel has provided steady financial leadership to HOPE which has allowed stability in our funding as well as the flexibility for Trustees to fund the right research, equipment and infrastructure at the right time.
Nigel said, “My small team, our volunteers and wonderful supporters can be extremely proud of what they and HOPE have achieved over the years. I have no doubt whatsoever that HOPE will continue to go from strength to strength and I will be around to help where needed, to embed the new leadership and contribute to a positive transition to the next stage of the Charity’s development.
“Thank you to the Board of Trustees, who have helped me nurture a great team and supported me personally, and to all who have supported and continue to support the vital, life-saving work of Hope Against Cancer”.
Our thanks go out to Nigel and we wish him all the best on his new adventure.
At the Spring 2025 Hope Business Club lunch our speaker, Professor Nigel Brunskill, spoke about Hope Against Cancer’s impact in funding capital infrastructure projects that helps local cancer research to excel.
One such project is a place that no one will see but, nevertheless, it is integral to everything.
It is a room, hidden in the ‘back of house’ called an Aseptic Suite and it is a highly specialised area where pharmacists prepare new advanced cancer treatments under the stringent
Derek’s Story
Derek is not a person who usually goes to the doctors, but he knew that the lump on his neck wasn’t going down, and that wasn’t right. In August 2014, Derek was diagnosed with a Squamous Cell cancerous tumour.
His oncologist offered him a place on a trial at the relatively new Hope Clinical Trials Facility (the predecessor to the Hope Cancer Trials Centre).
Before the treatment started Derek had a ‘Peg’ feeding tube fitted, as he was warned that swallowing would be very difficult once therapy began.
The treatment lasted seven weeks and the side effects of the chemotherapy were not good. It made him very ill resulting in admittance onto the ward for a week.
Derek described the LRI and Hope staff as ‘amazing’, adding that ‘they saved my life’.
Once the active treatments were complete, care was provided by a district nurse.
In the following weeks, Derek had no sense of taste along with a dry mouth from loss of saliva and a damaged throat. He felt permanently sick and was hardly eating at all.
With help and advice from the LRI nutritionist, soup was really the best option, and now, years later, Derek says that he never wants to see another soup tin, he’s had enough for a lifetime!
Once Derek was able to come off the cocktail of painkillers, the sickness subsided and things
Hope supported capital investment in local research
conditions necessary for cancer trials to take place.
The rapid expansion of the visible clinical research facilities, such as the Hope Cancer Trials Centre, needs to be matched by expansion of other less visible research support services at the Leicester Royal Infirmary.
Hope Against Cancer is proud to fund £300,000 to support this vital local project on top of the money we provide to the Hope Cancer Trials Centre.
started to improve. Derek’s wife Julie became very creative in the kitchen using plenty of sauces or gravy to help Derek’s eating. Treatment ended over a decade ago, but Derek’s memories seem as fresh as ever.
Since his recovery, Derek and Julie have held charity fundraisers for Hope, including a packed-out winter concert at Leicester Racecourse and some intuitive fund-raising events with their motor racing chums - featuring the Hope logo on their racing car!
They said that such wonderful moments have come out of Derek’s illness and their worries, and it all came from holding tight onto positivity.
Hope Against Cancer is extremely grateful to Derek and Julie for speaking to us about their experience with cancer. Such stories really bring home the importance of having the very best local cancer research and care available right on our doorstep.
[This story is slightly abridged. To read the complete version please visit www.hopeagainstcancer.org.uk/hope-blog]
We would like to say a huge thank you to all of our dedicated Hope Business Club members.
Your support is one of the main pillars on which the continuity of Hope Against Cancer and our funding of world-class local cancer research and care is built.
SILVER
BRONZE
Financial expertise meets community impact
At Mattioli Woods, exceptional wealth management goes hand in hand with giving back. As a leading UK provider with over 30,000 clients and £25 billion under management, we’re proud to support Hope Against Cancer, a cause close to our clients, colleagues, and families.
In October 2025 we joined 154 attendees at the Hope Business Lunch, bringing along eight of our consultants. We followed up in February 2026 with our Hope, Health and Wealth event, bringing business owners and charity supporters to our headquarters for a free seminar on recent pension legislation changes, delivering real value where it matters.
These partnerships reflect the trusted, long-term relationships that define us. Our relationship with Hope Against Cancer isn’t just about raising awareness; it’s about leveraging our expertise to support an incredible community of changemakers.
Your financial future, our expertise.
Whether you’re exploring pension strategies through a SIPP or SSAS, need personalised wealth management, or want comprehensive employee benefits solutions, our 1,200+ professionals across the UK deliver results.
We offer:
> tailored financial planning
> discretionary portfolio management
> ISAs and tax planning
> trust services
> research-backed, unbiased recommendations
With the scale to serve businesses at every stage and the personal touch that makes all the difference, we’re here to guide your financial journey.
Backing Hope Against Cancer expresses our values in action. We’re proud to play our part.
To find out how we can support you, contact us at marketing@mattioliwoods.com.
We are thrilled to announce that Berry Accountants have chosen to join the Hope Business Club as Gold members.
Here is what they had to say,
“For over a century, Berry Accountants and Business Advisers has proudly served the Leicestershire business community. We deliver proactive, expert support to owner-managed businesses across audit, accounts, tax, payroll, and strategic business advice.
“With one in two people impacted by cancer and the immense strain it places on families, supporting Hope Against Cancer is deeply meaningful to us. As a business rooted in Leicestershire, we believe it’s never been more important to stand behind such a vital local cause.”
We are delighted to announce that Handelsbanken has joined the Hope Business Club as a Silver member.
Here is what they had to say,
“We are a relationship Bank with a focus on long-term relationships, dealing with both Corporate and Personal customers. A bespoke service with a dedicated Account Manager, we are the safest Bank in Europe (Global Finance 2025). Decisions are made locally as we understand our local marketplace so we can offer a service that is tailored to your needs.
“Our team looks after Leicestershire and Rutland and we are passionate about our local community. We have decided to join the Hope Against Cancer Business Club as they are a local charity who are making a massive difference to people’s lives. We are continually inspired by the amazing work that the Hope team undertake, and we want to support this as much as we can.”
in partnership with
Upgrading to GOLD
Creative Triangle is a full-service design agency with a proven record of delivering creative excellence across multi-channel campaigns. Established in 2006, we are now entering our 20th year and continue to combine big-brand experience with Good Honest Design. Our ethos is rooted in inclusivity and creativity, and this has allowed us to develop long-standing relationships locally, nationally and internationally.
Founded in 2003, Chris has built Kazzoo Ltd to offer flexible IT support, with the backing of an experienced team, to small and medium-sized businesses throughout Leicestershire and the East Midlands.
Cunningtons Chartered Certified Accountants are dedicated to providing tailored financial, business and taxation services to SME’s and individuals across the UK and beyond, providing opportunities for clients to grow, achieve success and financial security.
Expert practical, commercial advice with a personal approach you can only get from a niche firm.
Upgrading to SILVER
James Sellicks Estate Agents has been around for a long time! It was formed in 1997, and we quickly established ourselves as a renowned and leading estate agency in Leicestershire, Rutland, and Northamptonshire selling some of the finest homes within the East Midlands.
Michael Smith Switchgear manufactures, installs, and maintains low voltage switchgear and control panels for clients throughout the UK.
BHW is a leading independent commercial law firm based in Leicester. For over 20 years BHW has provided the best legal, commercial and strategic advice to businesses of all types and sizes, from start-ups to household names. Our areas of expertise include Corporate & Commercial, Commercial Property, Dispute Resolution, Employment and Residential Property.
Assured Energy are a leading consultant that matches businesses and organisations to the most competitive rates for gas, electricity and water, specifically SME clients. With a customer retention rate of more than 90%, we are rated 5/5 and No 1 in the Energy and Power category, on Trustpilot. Assured Energy are a part of Consultus.
Datamail is a marketing services supplier specialising in direct mail, print personalisation, finishing and pack creation. We can guide you from initial marketing ideas to actual return on investment.
We also offer digital broadcasting and email services, complimenting Datamail’s direct marketing offering. Our data knowledge and expertise enables us to unlock the best of your data and provide you with cost effective methods of marketing and distribution.
in partnership with
Your support transforms cutting-edge research into life-saving reality. Hope Against Cancer is proud to have you by our side in the fight against cancer across the East Midlands. Thank you.
Event Sponsors. Thank you to all the amazing businesses who are sponsoring our events in 2026.
Challenge the Wild
On 11th February Mattioli Woods held their second seminar for supporters of HOPE.
The event discussed the themes of Hope, Health and Wealth at an intimate and exclusive venue and Mattioli Woods shared their extensive knowledge with our guests.
The evening was finished off with a delicious curry from Chutney Ivy, courtesy of Mattioli Woods. Thank you to Mattioli Woods, everyone involved in the organisation and to our guests.
On World Cancer Day, BPX Electro Mechanical Co. Ltd and Elmleigh took on a charity challenge for HOPE where 5 runners from each company competed in a 1 hour treadmill run.
The event was a huge success with everyone showing fantastic energy and determination for their team.
Hamilton’s Honour and Bentley Leicester give away!
Bentley Leicester have generously donated some incredible prizes to Hamilton’s Honour who are using them to support two vital charities: Hope Against Cancer and the British Heart Foundation.
For the chance to win, or to learn more, visit their website www.hamiltonshonour.co.uk and scroll down to “Charity Campaign” and purchase a pair of socks to enter.
Hope’s Annual Golf Day
The Hope Ball
We are incredibly grateful to the following businesses that have chosen HOPE as their Charity of the Year.
Take Me, Unique Windows, Unwantees, Anthony James Insurance Brokers Golf Society, Hamilton’s Honour and (back for a second year!) Smith Partnership.
Last year’s Gift of Hope Christmas campaign was an incredible success.
25 businesses sponsored 25 messages of hope from people with a lived experience of cancer. The gifts were displayed by over 60 businesses throughout Leicestershire and Rutland, the campaign was viewed more than 25,000 times online and raised over £6,000!
Thank you very much to everyone involved.
We have plans to make this year bigger and better with two sets of gifts, a message of hope from those with a lived experience of cancer and messages in memory.
If you would like to get involved as a sponsor or with a message (or both), please contact Tracey: tracey@hopeagainstcancer.org.uk
Unique Windows recently held a lovely cake sale.
Congratulations to Karolina Strzelecka who was awarded 1st Prize for her Honey Cake and Rina Chudasama who was awarded 2nd Prize for her Oreo Cheesecake Pots.
Run Leicester
Following the last Business Lunch in October 2025 we had an incredible showing at Run Leicester, including Business Club members Ruth and Ellena from MJ Rees and Yolandi Sawyer from Vertu. Thank you for joining us.
A team from Digital Office Group took on a skydive for HOPE! Thank you Jack, Onkar and Stanley.
Thank you to The University of Leicester School of Business for hosting the latest Hope-Connect networking event and Tim from Market Harborough Building Society for speaking to our guests.
Thank you so much to Smith Partnership for this fantastic donation to HOPE. It was an absolute pleasure to be your Charity of the Year 2025/26!
Throughout that time, Smith Partnership held fundraisers, including a very memorable cake sale, and they also turned out on a cold October morning to drum our runners along at Run Leicester 2025!
A Tribute to an Extraordinary Ambassador
At just 27 years old, Alice achieved more than many do in a lifetime.
As an ambassador for our charity, she did not simply represent a cause — she became its beating heart. Through her courage, honesty and determination, she helped raise hundreds of thousands of pounds, turning awareness into action and real support for those facing cancer.
But the true measure of her impact cannot only be counted in pounds raised.
It lives in the messages she answered late at night.
In the quiet reassurance she gave to someone newly diagnosed. In the advice she shared from her own lived experience.
In the strength she lent when others felt they had none left.
She understood fear, uncertainty and pain — yet she chose, repeatedly, to use her journey to lift others. She stood beside fellow cancer patients not as a figurehead, but as a friend. A guide. A voice of understanding. Even in the face of her own battle, she showed extraordinary grace and generosity. Alice gave hope when it would have been understandable to hold it close for yourself.
Though Alice’s life was heartbreakingly short, her legacy is immense. It lives on in the funds that she raised, supporting early diagnosis and treatments and helping toward a time when cancer is no longer feared.
You were brave.
You were selfless.
You were extraordinary.
And because of you many people fighting cancer today feel less alone.
You will never be forgotten.
Our deepest thoughts remain with all of Alice’s family and friends.
Events 2026
Hope Events
Bright and Blue: June
Turn your workplace Blue in support of Hope
Challenge the Wild: 17th – 19th June
Hope’s Annual Golf Day: 26th June
If Alice Can, Anyone Can: 29th August Ride in memory of Alice.
The Hope Ball: 9th October
Run Leicester: 11th October
in partnership with hopeagainstcancer.org.uk
We have an absolutely bumper year of events, challenges and opportunities! You can find out more about any of these events on our website. Please contact Tracey: tracey@hopeagainstcancer.org.uk to get involved.
Events Challenges
The next Hope Business Lunch: 29th October
Gift of Hope sponsor a message, share a message and display the gifts.
Supporter Events
Hope Challenges
Run with RealBuzz
Run a marathon or half marathon anywhere in the world.
Skydive for HOPE
Organised for a date that suits you.
Wing walk: Friday 26th June / Friday 21st August at Wickenby Airfield, Langworth, Lincoln and Friday 19th June / Friday 7th August at Sywell Aerodrome, Hall Farm, Sywell, Northampton.
Birmingham Bungee Jump: 30th and 31st May, 25th and 26th July, 26th and 27th September
Tough Mudder: Belvoir, Grantham: Saturday 4th / Sunday 5th July
Coventry Inflatable Obstacle Course: 25th July
Derbyshire Dales Hiking Challenge: 13th September
Royal Parks Half Marathon: Sunday, 11th October
Amsterdam: Half and Full Marathon: 18th October
Run Alton Towers: 14th and 15th November
Pedal for Protons, Care and Hope – Join Tom Copson from The Rowley’s Partnership and Ride from Land’s End to John o’ Groats: 17th June
AVC Golf Day: 18th September at Melton Mowbray Golf Course
