‘The evening was incredibly special’ – Gary Gallen
The inaugural Business Beats Cancer Hull & East Riding gala dinner was held at the DoubleTree by Hilton(Image: Kevin Greene Photography)
Hull’s business community has raised £35,000 for Cancer Research UK following the inaugural Business Beats Cancer Hull & East Riding gala dinner. It marked 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 per cent 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. The event was hosted by Gemma Oaten, who spoke openly about her personal connection to the cause following her father’s cancer diagnosis.
A moving keynote address was made by Angela Gregory, who is living with incurable cancer. Prizes including Porsche Experience Days, Foo Fighters tickets and luxury lodge stays were up for grabs in a high-impact charity auction.
Gary said: “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.”
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. You can find out more at cancerresearchuk.org
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