Hope Through Business

On 12th October 2023 we held the latest meeting of Hope Against Cancer’s business club in the stunning setting of the Leicester Racecourse.

The club 'Hope through Business' was started in 2014 and over the years the generosity, kindness, and support of businesses in Leicestershire and Rutland has made a substantial impact on the research and treatment of cancer locally, and improved the outcomes for families all over our area.

This year we heard from guest speakers Alice Greaves and Alice's oncologist Professor Samreen Ahmed. Together they told the story of Alice's journey from both the poignant perspective of a 23-year-old diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer, and from the brilliant consultant who led her care.

Alice, who, incredibly, was speaking to us just six weeks after a double mastectomy, has embarked on a mission to get both women and men to check their breasts and to 'know your normal' in terms of your own size and shape. This is done through her infectious personality in person and through the growing Instagram channel: ifanyonecanalicecan, where she shares a very personal experience that has connected with, and helped many.

Alongside her treatment Alice has done so much for breast cancer awareness and raised thousands for cancer research and yet, when introducing her oncologist, Professor Ahmed, Alice described her as the 'superwoman'. In return Professor Ahmed told us of how awed she was by Alice in a clear sign of the pairs’ immense mutual appreciation and respect.

Professor Ahmed reminded us of the importance of local charities like Hope who work so hard for the benefit of local people.

She went on to talk of the impact of cancer trials and research such as the ongoing development of blood tests which can track the DNA a cancer tumour sheds into the bloodstream.

Hope through Business is a major contributor to the research that has helped Alice and the ongoing work of Professor Ahmed, and this event was a wonderful collaboration of businesses who are directly helping to improving the lives of people in Leicestershire and Rutland, and beyond.

The Hope Cancer Trials centre is able to make a real difference locally and wouldn’t exist without all the greatly appreciated support shown to our local charity.