More than £35,000 raised for children's cancer charity through gala and marathon

The Staff Canteen

A special night featuring top chefs and an inspirational marathon has raised more than £35,000 for children and young people with cancer.

The four-course fundraising event was hosted by five long-time friends and culinary leaders: Warren Geraghty (Tom Kerridge Group), Dominic Teague (One Aldwych), Allan Pickett (Rhubarb Hospitality), Jeff Galvin (Galvin Restaurants), and Chris Eden (Watergate Bay).

Warren also laced up his running trainers to compete in the London Marathon to raise money for the charity. 

Read more: 'Running around London is nothing compared to what those kids go through.'

The dinner welcomed 80 guests to One Aldwych and featured a live auction with standout prizes, including a private dinner cooked by Tom Kerridge, luxury hotel stays, and a signed Geoff Hurst football shirt.

The proceeds went towards CCLG: The Children & Young People’s Cancer Group and Annika’s Challenge, which supports research into anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL).

One guest also pledged an additional £10,000 donation to the fund on the night.

Annika’s Challenge was founded by Warren’s close friends Bjorn and Lisa after their daughter Annika was diagnosed with ALCL at age two. Inspired by their journey, Warren previously ran the Southampton and London Marathons in her honour and organised the dinner to further support the cause.

Warren said: “Overall, the night was a massive success. We were aiming for £15,000, so we’re made-up.

“It’s overwhelming, really quite humbling. It makes us really proud to raise that money, but also to raise awareness.

“[And] the atmosphere was really lively, very convivial. It was a really lovely night.

He added: “Cancer is a horrific disease, and it touches people in so many ways. But when it's children, I think it strikes at the heart so much harder. [And] it’s not just what the children go through, but the families and everything they go through as well.

“It was great to see how much people do care, and how

much people wanted to help. CCLG does such good work – what they do is incredible – and there's a lot of people who really do want to contribute.

“We received some lovely messages the next day saying if there's ever anything like it again, they'd love to come and support it.”

While the focus of the night was on fundraising and raising awareness of CCLG and children’s and young people’s cancer, Warren also cherished the experience of being back in the kitchen with friends, adding: “They're my mates and I've known them for 30 years. They all gave up their time and genuinely enjoyed it.

“We had a really good night in the kitchen, it was a lot of fun. It was quite nostalgic to be in a kitchen with those guys. Everyone started telling stories from back in the day.”

“We hatched it as a bit of a small plan and then it kind of grew and grew. But you don't really know what people are willing to do for you until you ask.

“I'd love to say a special thank you to Dominic Teague, who was incredible in helping organise and putting things together, along with everyone at One Aldwych. It wouldn't have been possible without them.

“There are so many people, too many to mention. All the chefs, who are all very busy guys and took time out of their day. I’m very, very thankful for that.

“Emma, who works with me here [at Tom Kerridge]. She was phenomenal. Phoebe, our content executive, was brilliant.

“The suppliers who gave us stuff for free or at cost, everyone who donated to the auction. There were so many other people who volunteered to get involved, too.”

Juliet Horner from CCLG added: “This special evening is a shining example of how, together, we can make a meaningful impact. The funds raised will help us continue to support vital research for children and young people with cancer.”

To donate to Warren’s cause, click here.

Written by abi kinsella

 

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The Staff Canteen

The Staff Canteen

Editor 2nd May 2025

More than £35,000 raised for children's cancer charity through gala and marathon