HOST Social Giving launches fundraising programme for children's cancer charity Kidscan

Innovation hub HOST, the Home of Skills & Technology, is launching HOST Social Giving to support Kidscan children’s cancer research as its nominated charity over the next 12 months.

The staff team from Preston-based IN4 Group, the operator of HOST, will fundraise throughout the year and hold quarterly events at its HOST Social venue in MediaCity.

As a show of solidarity for their fellow workmates observing Ramadan, including the Group’s CEO Mo Isap, staff from across the business will be fasting for a day to raise money for the charity.

Alongside this, HOST Social Giving is holding a charity Iftar dinner on 26 April, sponsored by IN4 Group, so the team, partners and supporters can break the fast together by sharing a celebratory meal at HOST Social. The event is open to all, and the three-course Indian meal is supported and catered by popular restauranteur Zouk.

Kidscan works to actively fund research across the UK to create a world where every child can both survive cancer and go on to live the long healthy lives they deserve.

Currently, only 3.5 per cent of cancer research spend is dedicated to childhood cancer research. In the last 20 years, only four new treatments have been designed specifically for children in comparison to 190 for adults.

Laura Cleverley, head of HOST Social Giving, said: “We’re proud to support Kidscan as our nominated charity and as an organisation, we are committed to fundraising for this fantastic cause throughout the year. 

“Kidscan is a brilliant local charity and the perfect fit for us, as they fund innovations into childhood cancer research that improve survival rates and make a real difference. This life-changing research helps find new treatments for children with cancer and reduces the lasting damage that is caused by current treatments.” 

Kelly-Anne Perera, Kidscan trustee, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with HOST Social Giving to raise money to find safe new treatments for children with cancer. 

“Sadly, 104 children living in the Salford area will get cancer before the age of 14. 20 per cent will not survive and over 60 per cent of those will go on to develop life-altering disabilities further down the line, because the treatments currently used can cause lasting damage to their growing bodies. 

“With links to tech innovators, digital disruptors and creative business leaders, the partnership with IN4 Group and HOST provides Kidscan with an exciting opportunity to increase our network, raise the profile of childhood cancer and ultimately continue to fund the vital research we invest in across the UK."

HOST Social Giving’s Charity Iftar Dinner supporting Kidscan children’s cancer research is open to everyone to attend on Tuesday 26 April, 7.15pm at HOST Social in MediaCity. Tickets are free and you can register here.