Cancer teenagers to benefit from banquet

Published on Saturday 7 March 2009 00:51

A CHARITY aimed at helping teenagers battling cancer is to benefit from a major new civic occasion in Edinburgh.

All proceeds from the inaugural Lord Provost's Banquet next month will go to the Teenage Cancer Trust.

It is about to launch an appeal to help pay for its own dedicated cancer units at the Western General and Sick Kids hospitals.

George Grubb, Edinburgh's Lord Provost, unveiled plans to stage Scotland's equivalent of the Lord Mayor's Banquet, last year.

Yesterday he revealed he had decided to nominate the charity to benefit from the event – which will feature First Minister Alex Salmond and former Irish prime minister Bertie Ahern as guest speakers – after meeting young cancer sufferers last year. Each unit costs 2 million to build.

More than 400 guests are expected on 15 April at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre for the event, being paid for by a mystery benefactor.

Mr Grubb said: "We will be able to help the Teenage Cancer Trust, not only by raising funds to make a contribution to their appeal, but also by raising the pro-file of the fantastic work they do."

Simon Davies, chief executive of the Teenage Cancer Trust, added: "Our units aren't like ordinary cancer wards. Everything about them has been designed to give teenagers the very best chance of a positive outcome."