Despite the ‘touch and go’ Liverpool weather, nothing could dampen the spirits at our recent MABC Afternoon Tea event, where supporters, researchers, and friends came together for a joyous afternoon in aid of blood cancer patients in the region.
Guests were welcomed with a glass of prosecco and treated to a delicious spread of sandwiches and scones — topped with generous helpings of jam and the most delicious, clotted cream. The room buzzed with laughter, meaningful conversations, and a shared sense of purpose.
The event was brilliantly (and hilariously) hosted by BBC Radio Merseyside legend and MABC Patron, Roger Phillips, who brought humour and charm — even if he was a little puzzled by some of the raffle prizes. (“A Sanctuary Spa set? You mean we’re not giving away a full spa day?”)
We also held an exciting raffle for a beautiful £600 necklace, the DMR Cloud Nine Silver 0.18cts Cut Diamond Pendant was generously donated by David M Robinson and helped us tremendously in raising additional funds!
And between the laughter, there was real inspiration.
Abigail Clark, a PhD student whose pioneering research is co-funded by MABC and North West Cancer Research, shared her incredible lab work of gene editing and analysis to better understand outcomes in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
Professor Nagesh Kalakonda, MABC’s founder, offered insights into a vital research project (UNCOVER) that is using vast amount of routinely collected data NHS data from blood cancer patients to explore patient and disease features, outcomes and the impact of COVID-19. In addition, he discussed a linked project (ALMANAC) focused on elderly/frail patients. He highlighted the importance of both projects which will are providing insights that can be influential to improve management.
MABC Chair Abi Pointing and Vice Chair Elaine Kinsella spoke passionately about the charity’s mission and the impact of our patient grant scheme, which helps families with urgent needs — from fixing leaking roofs and broken boilers to covering food bills, transport and much more. Future ambitions for the charity were also announced, as we are looking into the possibility of funding research development grants to enable researchers from other local universities to test a range of blood cancer hypotheses.
Together, the event reflected everything MABC stands for: community, compassion, and commitment to better care for blood cancer patients.
We’ll be announcing the total raised very soon — thank you to everyone who came, donated, and helped make the day so special.
