Business Beats Cancer Edinburgh, which brings together business leaders in the East of Scotland to raise vital funds for Cancer Research UK, has raised nearly £800,000 in its fight against the disease since its inception in 2019.

The charity, now on target to surpass the £1m mark over the course of the year, stages its annual fundraising dinner at Prestonfield House on 14 May.

Hosted by the broadcaster, actor, and presenter Grant Stott, the evening will include a performance by its guest of honour, Motherwell-born operatic soprano, Monica McGhee. The internationally acclaimed 37-year-old, who has appeared on stage in some of the most prestigious opera houses in the UK and across the world, survived a 2017 diagnosis of thyroid cancer with her career now back on track after two years of treatment in London.

The event will also feature insights from Dr Alex Loftus, a leading scientist and lecturer in cancer biology and medicine. Based at the University of Edinburgh, Dr Loftus is involved in the development of new drugs to address adult brain cancer.

The annual Business Beats Cancer Edinburgh dinner will bring together around 400 people from across the city’s business community. All funds raised go towards local research projects aimed at finding a cure to a disease that affects more than 5,000 people across Edinburgh every year.

Along with the esteemed guests, the evening will also feature a charity auction with a wide range of intriguing prizes generously donated by supporters. These include a one-week stay at a luxury villa in Palm Beach, Australia; tickets and match day hospitality at Newcastle United Football Club; and a 12-Month Corporate Membership to Freedom Boat Club at Loch Lomond.

Limited tickets are still available for the event. More information can be found here.

Lou Kiddier, chair of Business Beats Cancer Edinburgh, said: “Our annual dinner is a major fundraising event in the fight against cancer. We look forward to bringing together Edinburgh’s business community to hear Monica’s inspirational story as well as her beautiful voice.

“We will also be celebrating the great scientific work carried out here in the Scottish capital, and give all the attendees a chance to bid on a range of fantastic auction prizes. The dinner will build on our success of raising vital funds in support of Scotland’s Cancer Research Centre.”

The Scottish Housing News Charity Spotlight feature highlights the vital work of charities across Scotland each Friday. To include your local charity, whether housing-related or not, send your story and images to us at newsdesk@scottishnews.com.