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Riverside chief executive launches year-long ‘cook-off for cancer’
Paul Dolan, chief executive of Riverside, has today launched a “cook-off for cancer” to raise funds for a children’s charity.
Paul Dolan, chief executive of Riverside, has today launched a “cook-off for cancer” to raise funds for a children’s charity #UKhousingMr Dolan was inspired to launch this fundraising drive by his personal experience with bowel cancer.
He was diagnosed shortly after starting as chief executive of Riverside, and had to have surgery and chemotherapy. He has elaborated on his experience, as well as the charity fundraiser, in an exclusive interview with Inside Housing, published today.
The fundraiser will involve a year-long series of mostly food-related fundraising events to raise money for the charity Young Lives vs Cancer, which supports children and young people with cancer, and their families.
The first event is planned for 4 February, World Cancer Day, and will be a social media challenge.
Riverside and Mr Dolan are encouraging participants to post on social media using the hashtag #CookOffForCancer. They have also set up a JustGiving page, where you can donate directly.
The theme is personal to Mr Dolan, because he spent a year in 2002 working with celebrity chef Raymond Blanc at a two Michelin starred restaurant. Inside Housing understands that Mr Blanc is backing the campaign.
Young Lives vs Cancer also has a housing link, as the support it provides includes free accommodation that allows families to stay near to hospital as their children go through cancer treatment.
Joanne Drea and her son Isaac stayed in the charity’s free accommodation service, Jack’s House.
She said: “Jack’s House is such an amazing place and was such a lifeline for my son Isaac and myself. Staying here meant after a day of treatment we didn’t have to make the 40-mile journey home, which could take up to two hours or even more during busy times.
“With its proximity to the hospital, it meant Isaac could go straight to bed after his chemo/radiotherapy if he needed and he felt comfortable there. Jack’s House really is a ‘home from home’ and the team are wonderful. We have made such good friends with them and still visit them from time to time.”
Mr Dolan said: “Cancer is a cruel disease but especially for children. The important impact that Young Lives vs Cancer has cannot be overstated and I hope that many will join me this year in raising as much money as possible for this deserving charity.”
Sue Collins, director of fundraising and engagement at Young Lives vs Cancer, said: “We’re delighted that Paul Dolan and the Riverside Group have chosen to raise funds for Young Lives vs Cancer.
“Every penny raised will allow us to continue the vital work we do, supporting children and young people throughout the UK, who are experiencing a cancer diagnosis.
“At Young Lives vs Cancer, we help children and young people with cancer and their families navigate the emotional and practical impact of cancer. We stop at nothing to make their voices heard and their unique needs understood, so they can get the right care and support at the right time.”
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