Friends brought together by breast cancer raise more than £25,000 to thank Scarborough Hospital

13 AUGUST 2026

Two friends brought together through their breast cancer journey have raised more than £25,000 for cancer services at Scarborough Hospital as a thank you for the care and support they received.

Deanne Leng and Annette Reid met through the hospital's Primary Breast Cancer Support Group in 2015 after both receiving most of their treatment at Scarborough Hospital. Wanting to give something back and help future patients, they organised their first Charity Gala Ball in 2017 and have continued fundraising for York & Scarborough Hospitals Charity ever since.

This year's event marked their fifth Gala Ball and has already raised an incredible £7,800, with further donations still to come.  

Held at Scarborough Rugby Club, the evening brought together friends, family and supporters for a three-course meal, entertainment and fundraising activities, including a charity auction, luxury raffle, live music and games. The generosity of local businesses and sponsors played a huge part in making the event such a success.

Guests also enjoyed thoughtful personal touches from the organisers, with Deanne and her band ‘Cayton Calypso’ welcoming everyone by playing the steel pans on arrival, while Annette gave each guest a packet of flower seeds as a thank you for supporting the event.

The money raised will benefit three areas of cancer care at Scarborough Hospital: the Chemotherapy Unit, helping provide additional equipment to support patients using the scalp cooling system during chemotherapy; the Hospital Hairdressing Service, which provides free wigs for patients; and the Breast Care Team, supporting local breast cancer support group meetings and ongoing training and education for specialist nurses.

Emma Feasby, Fundraising Manager at York & Scarborough Hospitals Charity, said: "Deanne and Annette are truly inspirational. They have turned their own experiences into something incredibly positive, helping ensure other patients facing cancer receive even more support during what can be one of the most difficult times in their lives.

"To raise more than £25,000 through five Gala Balls is an extraordinary achievement and a wonderful reflection of the kindness and generosity of everyone who has supported them over the years. We are so grateful to Deanne, Annette, their families, friends and everyone who has contributed towards or attended the events. Their commitment is making a real and lasting difference for patients receiving cancer care at Scarborough Hospital."

Deanne Leng and Annette Reid said:

"When we first met through the Breast Cancer Support Group, we never imagined where our friendship would lead. We both wanted to thank the teams who cared for us and support other people going through similar experiences.

"Seeing so many people come together year after year to support the Gala Ball means so much to us. Every pound raised will help improve the experience of patients receiving cancer care at Scarborough Hospital, and we couldn't have done it without the incredible generosity of everyone who has supported us."

York & Scarborough Hospitals Charity supports projects, equipment and services that go beyond NHS funding, helping to enhance care and improve the experience of patients, families and staff across York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.