Bellway's Cardiff Charity Ball Raises Over £50,000 for Cancer Research UK
A fundraising ball organized by homebuilder Bellway in Cardiff has raised an impressive £50,312 for Cancer Research UK (CRUK). The event was held in memory of Sophie Busson, an inspirational charity worker who passed away from cancer in July last year at the age of 39.
Sophie Busson: A Dedicated Relationship Manager
Sophie Busson served as the CRUK Wales Relationship Manager since 2021 and worked closely with Bellway's Wales division on their regular fundraising initiatives for the charity. She was first diagnosed and treated for breast cancer at age 30, but the cancer returned in 2023.
Rachel Singers, PA to the Bellway Wales Managing Director, met with Sophie twice a year to plan fundraising events. Rachel described Sophie as "so funny and full of energy" and noted that she "never moaned" and was "a joy to work with." Sophie often spoke of her family, cherishing her two sons, Leo and Reggie, and was grateful for the people in her life.
The Fundraising Event Details
The charity ball took place on Saturday, January 31 at Cardiff's Park Plaza Hotel. More than 200 guests attended, including Sophie's husband Gareth Busson, her twin sister Stephanie Savigar, and colleagues from CRUK. The evening featured dinner, speeches, an auction, a raffle, live music, and sets from comedian Ignacio Lopez.
Bellway pledged to double-match the funds raised by the event, adding that amount to the total. This contribution is part of Bellway's ongoing support for CRUK, which began in 2016 when the company chose CRUK as its national charity partner. Since then, Bellway has raised £5.1 million for the charity.
Memorable Moments and Contributions
During the event, CRUK Relationship Manager Louise Gash spoke to the gathering, remembering Sophie and thanking Bellway for its support. Louise later commented, "A wonderful fun event, with a serious message and a beautiful tribute to our colleague, Sophie. Cancer Research UK are extremely grateful for the money raised by Bellway Wales and Sophie would have been so proud."
The auction included a significant donation: flooring sub-contractor VisionFlor successfully bid £4,000 for a week's villa stay in Turkey and generously gave it to Sophie's family. The villa stay was donated to the charity auction by Julie and Vince McCormick from painting and dry-lining sub-contractor V & C.
Inspiring Legacy and Community Impact
Rachel Singers suggested the fundraising ball in Sophie's memory after her passing, and Bellway Wales agreed to organize it. Sophie's positive attitude, despite her diagnosis, left a lasting impression on those who worked with her. Rachel added, "Despite the burden of her diagnosis, Sophie was always smiling, always hopeful, and she tried to live her life to the full every day, which motivated me to do the same. She truly was, and still is, an inspiration."
This event not only honors Sophie Busson's memory but also highlights the strong partnership between Bellway and Cancer Research UK, demonstrating how community and corporate efforts can come together to support vital cancer research and remember those who have dedicated their lives to such causes.
