Long-time supporter Avril Kirkham, who has been fundraising for Against Breast Cancer since 2007, recently helped raise over £1,000 at a special event hosted by Lawrie Alderman of The Cowshed Jazz Club in Sandon, Hertfordshire.
Lawrie hosts many events throughout the year, donating the proceeds to a different local charity each month. Inspired by Avril’s passion for our cause, Lawrie very kindly agreed to host last month’s event for Against Breast Cancer.
Guests enjoyed an evening of fantastic live jazz, delicious food, and fine wine. All this whilst raising awareness about Against Breast Cancer and the ultimate goal of preventing secondary breast cancer.
The audience were treated to the mellow sounds of both familiar and new tracks by the group iG4. The group consist of vocalist Claire Martin OBE, award-winning pianist Nikki Isles, acclaimed saxophonist Karen Sharp and bassist Ewan Hastie. The latter was the winner of BBC’s Young Jazz Musician of the Year 2022.
Why Avril supports Against Breast Cancer
Avril has raised thousands over the years through her creative initiatives. These include selling beautiful, knitted items crafted by her mum, herself, and other dedicated knitters under the name Moira’s Angels. She also hosts charity days at her local college. This jazz evening marked the first time Avril partnered with an external host, and it was a resounding success.
Avril shared why supporting Against Breast Cancer means so much to her:
“I, alongside my partner Paul, who incidentally is the lighting technician for the jazz nights and also my mother Moira, have been supporters of and fundraisers for ABC since 2007, when, at the age of 39, I myself was diagnosed with breast cancer. I underwent a mastectomy, chemo and radiotherapy. It was whilst I was recovering from this treatment that I first came across ABC.
“This charity’s work struck a chord with me. Although I was and am very happy to call myself a survivor, once you have suffered from breast cancer, it is never something that you can ever be 100% free of. The threat of secondary spread breast cancer is always prevalent. I realised then how important it is to support the research that is done by ABC to improve detection and prevention and therapies in order to stop secondary breast cancer from claiming lives.”
We would like to say a HUGE thank you to Avril for her continuing support. Additionally, thanks to Lawrie and the Cowshed Jazz Club for hosting the event and for the fantastic amount raised for breast cancer research and to everyone who attended for their generosity and support. Events like these not only raise vital funds but also help spread awareness.