Hello. Who are you?
My name is Ian Surgenor.
What is your role at the charity?
I’m a volunteer and fundraiser, mostly arranging live music concerts and shows. I organise York Rocks Against Cancer – which took place on Saturday 23rd July at York Barbican – featuring cast members of Emmerdale, Skylights, Sister Madly and many more local singers and bands.
I’ve also organised York Swings Against Cancer, York Brass Against Cancer, York Musicals Against Cancer, and York Country Against Cancer. So far, these events have raised over £70,000 for the charity.
How did you get involved with the charity?
I met York Against Cancer CEO, Julie Russell, about ten years ago through a mutual friend and we instantly hit it off. She could see I had the energy and passion to organise fundraising events.
We have a fantastic working relationship where I keep her updated on the planning and preparation but need minimal input from the office team.
Why is York Against Cancer your charity of choice?
I lost both my stepmother and grandfather to bowel cancer and these losses hit me hard – to the point where I felt I had to do something. York Against Cancer is a small, local charity that punches so far above its weight. The services they provide such as the respite holiday home, free minibus for radiotherapy patients, and the mobile chemotherapy unit bringing chemotherapy to people in rural areas – are just phenomenal. I think it’s so important we raise awareness of the work they do helping local people affected by cancer.
Any other news?
Myself and a group of local musicians and fundraisers – The YAC Collective – recently released a charity single called ‘You Lined Up All The Stars’ which was released on Friday 8th July 2022 and every penny made from the sales of CD/DVD goes to York Against Cancer.
To purchase one of these special CDs/DVDs, visit https://lnk.to/YACollective.
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