This year is the 5th Year of The Hopes and Dreams Ball, so I am making an extra ask of you! 

Please could you donate an extra £5 to celebrate 5 years - and help us raise more money than ever!

Just hit the green GIVE NOW button at the top to donate, and myself and Macmillan will be eternally grateful!

All monies raised this year from our £5 for 5 Years Appeal, and The Hopes & Dreams Ball, will be staying in Yorkshire, helping to fund the Macmillan Yorkshire Appeal, and more specifically: 

Macmillan Professionals: providing training and resources to existing professionals.

Macmillan Grants: to help the most financially vulnerable patients 

Macmillan Support Line: providing expert advice and help to people suffering financial difficulties due to a cancer diagnosis. 

There has been a significant drop in income at a time when a growing number of people needing our support in Yorkshire, which means we need your help like never before.

WELCOME to the Fifth Annual Hopes & Dreams Ball, in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, and hosted at York Racecourse…          

My Name is Matt Ascough and firstly I’d like to thank you for supporting this event.  

So far, since we started four years ago, we have raised nearly £52,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support. To top it off I also had the honour of being nominated for the “Charity Fundraiser of the Year 2017” at the Local Hero Awards with Minster FM, going on to win the title. The Ball was voted top 3 ‘Best Events’ in Yorkshire for two years running. I also won the Macmillan Douglas Award 2020; which was a real honour of achievement from Macmillan, something that I didn’t expect or want but to be recognised for my efforts is really amazing!

The Hopes & Dreams Ball is filled with great fun and entertainment from the loyal support from our suppliers, artists, band and DJ, but also from the amazing gathering of local amazing sponsors. These sponsors, who are more family and friends than just a sponsor to me, have stood by me on this event for many years now and we welcome also some new sponsors to join the family tree too. I am so very grateful to them all for their invaluable support because honestly this event wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of others and I personally thank you all. 

Those affected by cancer know the true meaning of Macmillan Cancer Support. For some, they don’t fully know what Macmillan do as a charity and tonight you will become fully aware of how important their work is and the value of it to those affected by the “C” word. Sadly 1 in 2 of us will be affected by cancer, but together we can support each other. You’re all here because of my story and the reason for this event been hosted. It all began with me surviving cancer; I was 26-years-old when I was diagnosed with testicular cancer. It was my mother’s 60th birthday when I was diagnosed. I had been to the doctors a week or so before where I was told that the lump I found is most likely a cyst, so when I got my letter through the post it happened to be on my mum's birthday. I told my mum that her present was at the post office depot so I could attend this appointment, in my mind meaning nothing, and arrived at the hospital. After a number of hours of chats, scans and waiting I was finally called into a room where I was with my doctor and a Macmillan nurse… and in that very room I was told I had cancer, that “C” word. I went numb.

It’s true what they say you kind of have a moment to fade into the background and blank from what’s been said to you, but after the initial shock and tears suddenly you’re in a room alone. You also say to yourself “What just happened?” and try to believe you’re in one of those nightmares, but sadly not. A moment later there was a knock on the door and my Macmillan nurse was back in the room with me and suddenly I felt in great care. We had a drink and a very long chat and before I knew it all my worries and questions were answered and i felt in safe hands. I left the hospital knowing I had to tell my mum as she would wonder where her present was! After being with Macmillan, my chat was easier by knowing my treatment procedures and the worst case scenario that could happen. I felt prepared. After telling my mum she was also able to call Macmillan as a friend to talk to so her support wasn’t just for my care but the whole family. My operation was quickly booked in after a surprise holiday for mum's birthday, and my type of cancer was fully diagnosed shortly afterwards. I caught mine early so went into remission after recovery and then decided I had raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support in thanks for their role in giving me a “second chance” at life. On Wednesday 23rd May 2018 I was officially discharged from Leeds St James’s Hospital after officially moving into the safe zone and out of remission, and I was so happy to be officially moving into the next chapter of my life.

So please give what money you can to help a well worthy charity!

VISIT OUR OTHER SOCIALS FOR SATURDAY 25 SEPTEMBER 2021 

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