our committee chair - dave's story

Dave, a father of two from Taunton and our committee chair, was unexpectedly diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, a rare type of bone cancer, on 22nd December 2023, following a trip to A&E for something completely different. He says: “From the moment I was told I had cancer, I felt like my life had changed forever”.  Dave was also diagnosed with 'Pleural Effusion', fluid squashing his right lung. This resulted in him having an immediate chest drain as his lung was unable to function. It later turned out to have been caused by his cancer.

On 30th August 2024, Dave finished an intense 8 months of chemotherapy. He also finished 30 sessions of radiotherapy as his body had responded really well to treatment. Originally he was told radiotherapy wasn't possible, but his cancer had improved so much that he was now eligible, with an aim to eliminate his cancer. 

On 28th October 2024, Dave received the unwelcome news that his cancer had returned and the lining of his lung had started to thicken again. On 8th January 2025, Dave started new treatment in the form of a clinical trial, funded and supported by Cancer Research UK, called ‘rEECur’. Unfortunately, a CT progress scan at the halfway point showed the trial was not working, so Dave and his medical team took the decision to stop the trial. 

Dave is currently undergoing further treatment as an Outpatient to hopefully give him more time, as his cancer is incurable.

Dave says: “PLEASE don't put off getting health concerns checked. Don't end up like me where you go into hospital with one thing & find out you have something else you didn't know was there. It may turn out to be serious & may totally change your life." He says: "If in doubt, get it checked out!"

Dave is a keen supporter and fundraiser for Cancer Research UK, having been invited to and attended the Cancer Research UK Lab Tour at Southmead Hospital in Bristol and the 'Business Beats Cancer Bristol' fundraising dinner back in 2024. He has fundraised with 'The Westlake Walk', walking 44 miles from his home in Taunton to Bristol Haematology & Oncology Centre, amongst other fundraisers. Dave has setup a fundraising committee that has already raised over £15,500 (including Gift Aid) for the charity since January 2024. He now wants to hold his own Charity Ball & Gala Dinner, to continue annually, as part of his legacy.

Thank you Dave for sharing your story. 

our chosen charity - cancer research uk  

Cancer Research UK (CRUK) are the world's leading independent cancer charity dedicated to saving lives through research, influence and information.

They are registered as a charity in the United Kingdom and Isle of Man, and were formed on 4 February 2002 by the merger of The Cancer Research Campaign and the Imperial Cancer Research Fund. Cancer Research UK conducts research using both its own staff and grant-funded researchers. It also provides information about cancer and runs campaigns aimed at raising awareness and influencing public policy.

The organisation's work is almost entirely funded by the public. They raise money through donations, legacies, community fundraising, events, retail and corporate partnerships. Over 25,000 people are regular volunteers.

Our event is dedicated to raising vital funds for Cancer Research UK in the Taunton and Somerset area, and with your help and generosity, we feel our fundraising goal of raising £10,000 can be achieved.

Thank you to Cancer Research UK for their support of our event.

our lead supporter - the benefact group 

An international group, built of businesses individually recognised as specialists across financial services. Owned by a charity, we are driven by something far greater than the need to satisfy shareholders; we are united by a belief that everyone benefits from better business – doing right by our customers earns their continued support, enabling us to give all available profits back to charities and good causes.

Benefact Group is a diverse family of specialist financial services businesses, driven by our shared ambition to do right by our customers and clients, and united by a common purpose to give all available profits to charity and good causes.

Being owned by a charity – Benefact Trust – places good intentions at the foundations of our Group. Whether in specialist insurance, investment management, broking or advisory, every business that makes up the Benefact Group is a specialist in their respective field. Together we provide responsible and sustainable investment, protection of iconic buildings and world heritage sites, and trusted advice to people and businesses.

Offering products and services that help protect in the present, pre-empt the possible and invest in a healthier financial future, Benefact Group is underpinned by businesses built on genuine insight and ethics.

Thank you to The Benefact Group for being our lead supporter of our event.