The 2024 PMF Gala Ball at the Eden Project

On the 19th October 2024, the Peninsula Medical Foundation held a Grand Gala Ball at the Eden Project in aid of Brian Tumour Research at the Centre of Excellence in the Peninsula Medical School, University of Plymouth. Two hundred and twenty people attended, mostly from Cornwall, led by our Patron Colonel Sir Edward Bolitho KCVO, Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall. Patron Angela Rippon was the Guest of Honour, and she treated us to some of her hilarious experiences in her long TV career. We had an excellent address by Professor Peter Whitfield FRCS, President of the British Association of Neurological Surgeons, about the complexity of the brain and the need for more research to improve treatment and minimise damage to normal brain tissue.

During the evening, we had a raffle, a game of stand or sit with a winner receiving £200, and a Charity Auction. The evening had several generous sponsors and donors for Brain Tumour Research, for which we are extremely grateful.  The fourteen items for auction were magnanimously given by southwest firms and donors.   The final amount the evening raised was an amazing £25,000.  The highly successful evening ended with dancing to music played and sung by Jessica and The Rabbits.

The evening was organised by Mr Denis Wilkins, who has been a Trustee since the PMF was founded in 1997. What a way to complete 27 years of service! He was also helped by Dr Martin Brooke PMF Trustee, Ms Louisa Gillett our administrator, and Janette Thomas who organised the raffle.

The PMF Trustees would like to thank all the people who so generously gave their time and money to ensure an enjoyable and magnificent outcome. The money will go to continuing the excellent work towards improving the outcome for brain tumour patients, especially in the South West Peninsula.