SHINE Games raises £6,500 to support life-changing cancer research and children’s charity

This year’s SHINE Games has raised an incredible £6,500 in support of Bunzl Catering Supplies’ nominated charity partners, Cancer Research UK and Nia Children’s Foundation – helping to fund vital work that is already making a real difference to people, families and communities.

Launched in 2023, the SHINE Games bring Bunzl Catering Supplies’ SHINE values to life by encouraging colleagues, customers and suppliers to come together, support one another and make a meaningful contribution beyond the business. Through fundraising, teamwork and community spirit, the event continues to demonstrate the positive impact that can be achieved when people unite behind a shared purpose.

A personal story behind the fundraising

For Andrew Steele, Imports Manager at Birch Coppice, the work supported by Cancer Research UK is especially close to home. Andrew was personally affected by cancer and will be attending a half-day workshop at a Cancer Research UK-funded facility in Birmingham on 4 September, where he has been invited as a guest speaker to share his cancer journey.

Speaking to the audience, Andrew hopes to highlight the importance of ongoing research into less invasive ways to treat head and neck cancer, and the difference this could make to patients and their families in the future.

Andrew Steele commented: “In April 2021, I was diagnosed with head and neck cancer, and after a significant number of tests, I was told I’d need 12-hours of surgery followed by a long period of recovery in hospital and at home, followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. This was an extremely difficult time for myself and my family, and I have been left with life altering side effects, however, I would not be here today without the remarkable research and development that Cancer Research UK undertakes. Events like the SHINE Games allow charities like Cancer Research UK to continue their life saving work, I am so pleased that we are supporting them.”

Funding research that can change lives

Andrew also spoke to Professor J.L. Parsons, Chair of Radiobiology and Director of Cancer Research UK RadNet Birmingham, about the awareness and fundraising Bunzl Catering Supplies colleagues have generated over the past three years, including through this year’s SHINE Games.

Professor Parsons explained how donations and support from businesses, charities and communities help facilities like Cancer Research UK RadNet Birmingham continue their research into more effective and safer forms of radiotherapy.

Professor J.L. Parsons said: “Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Radiotherapy is used in ~50% of all human cancers, however not all patients can be cured with current treatments, and many suffer from adverse side effects that can be life changing. Through Cancer Research UK RadNet Birmingham, we are exploring more effective and safer forms of radiotherapy that we hope will have a dramatic effect on patients and their families living with the devastation of cancer. We are extremely grateful for the support of businesses and charities, including Cancer Research UK, that enables us to exploit our unique facilities for radiobiology and radiotherapy research. Through this support, we are able to perform experiments using radiotherapies such as proton beam therapy and boron neutron capture therapy which can be more efficient at killing tumour cells while also being delivered more safely to patients. We hope our work can be translated to the clinic to minimise the debilitating side effects that patients currently endure using conventional radiotherapy, as well as improving long term outcomes. All this cannot be done without the amazing support we receive and continually need.”

Colleagues making a meaningful difference

The quote from Professor Parsons shows the real-world impact of the generosity shown by colleagues, customers and suppliers who supported the SHINE Games. Every donation helps organisations like Cancer Research UK continue research that could improve treatment, reduce life-changing side effects and support better long-term outcomes for patients.

By raising £6,500 for Cancer Research UK and Nia Children’s Foundation, this year’s SHINE Games has once again demonstrated the power of people coming together to support causes that matter. More than a fundraising event, the SHINE Games continue to celebrate teamwork, kindness and the collective difference Bunzl Catering Supplies can make in the communities and charities it supports.