Kingsclere Cancer Research Fundraiser group that raised £80,000 commended by Cancer Research UK

A group of friends from Kingsclere who have raised £80,000 for Cancer Research UK have won an award from the charity commending them for their efforts.

Sean Cleghorn, Mandy Keable, Claire Ellis and Beccy Preston formed the Kingsclere Cancer Research Fundraiser (KCRF) in 2022 after all four of their lives were touched by cancer.

Mandy and Clare are both cancer survivors, Sean lost his wife Allison to pancreatic cancer in 2021 and Beccy is genetically at a higher risk of developing certain cancers.

The four came together and have thrown two gala balls – the first at Sandford Springs Hotel & Golf Club in 2022 and the second at Oakley Hall Hotel in Oakley in 2024 – which raised a combined total of £80,000.

Sean said: “The 2024 ball was a fabulous celebration of community and solidarity, and we are so delighted with the fundraising total.”

KCRF were given a rising star award at Cancer Research UK’s annual awards for their commitment to helping to beat cancer.

The group is already planning its next fundraiser which will take place at Oakley Hall Hotel again on Friday, September 4, 2026.

Mandy said: “The ball is so huge it takes around a year of organisation.

“But it is absolutely worth every moment of hard work when we transfer that huge sum to Cancer Research UK.”

Cancer Research UK fundraising spokesperson Taylor Cane-Richardson said: “Thanks to the dedication and generosity of supporters like Mandy, Beccy, Sean and Claire, for over 120 years we’ve been making discoveries that have saved countless lives, and which benefit millions of people around the world.

“The group has thrown themselves into the organising of two fantastic evenings of glitz and glamour.

“We can’t thank them enough for helping us to fight over 200 types of cancer.

“We hope people across the region will show their support for the next KCRF Gala Ball and snap up a ticket quickly.

“Nearly one in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime, but all of us can support the research that will beat it.”