Nth Degree Spring Dinner in support of Oracle

Over 90 friends, family, business leaders and entrepreneurs joined Robert and his wife, renowned designer Donna Ida in the stunning setting of The French Salon at Claridges to raise funds for Oracle Cancer Trust, the UK’s leading charity solely dedicated to funding research into head and neck cancer.

During the evening Robert shared his very personal head and neck cancer journey and how the support, love and friendship of others helped him through twelve months of harrowing treatment for his tongue cancer which was diagnosed in 2017.   The gruelling treatment has left Robert with lifelong side-effects resulting in a partial loss of taste and dry mouth, which is very common following radiotherapy and the impact of this devastating disease has had a marked effect on Robert given his high-profile career in the world of fine dining and hospitality.  Professor Chris Nutting, one of the world’s leading experts on radiotherapy explained that Oracle’s vital work has paved the way for newer treatments sparing patients from these side-effects.

Says Robert, “2017 was a year that changed my life forever and one that I will never forget.  From simple things like not being able to eat certain foods or enjoy a glass of wine, treatment for head and neck cancer affects the senses in a very cruel and physical way.  I was overwhelmed by the generosity of family, friends and supporters who attended the dinner and also donated some amazing auction prizes.  Such was the success of the evening, I am delighted to announce that we have set a date for Monday 11^th May 2020 at Claridges.”

Guests were also delighted to hear from Oracle’s Patron and renowned author, Sir Michael Morpurgo who told a touching story about love and compassion following a visit with his wife to Lescun in France, the setting for his book “Waiting for Anya” adding a traditional folk song from the book.  Sir Michael was successfully treated for cancer of the larynx and is now once again enjoying his daily ritual of singing.

Over £25,000 were raised with a highly successful live and silent auction which have been matched in a funding programme by The Sir Adrian Swire Pioneers Fund, set up in memory of Sir Adrian Swire bringing the total raised on the night to £50,000.