Malignant Melanoma Research Fund - Factor 50 Fundraisers

Welcome to the Factor 50 website.  Factor 50 is a patient support group, set up in 2007.   The group was set up in memory of Jon Herron, a young man from Northern Ireland who sadly passed away in May 2008.   Initially the aim was to fund raise in order to be able to help support Dr Paul Lorigan's melanoma research fund and the work the team were doing to bring treatments to The Christie.   Factor 50 has gone much further than we could have ever hoped and we are now part of the government's melanoma task force team, stakeholders with NICE and give patient support to as many people as we possibly can.   

There are several different types of skin cancer, malignant melanoma is the most serious and can be life threatening.  Factor 50 aims to promote awareness of the danger of over exposure to the sun, poor use of sun screens and encourage regular skin checks. 

Factor 50 are taking part in discussions during sun awareness and details can be found here.

ANDY FLOWER OBE - FACTOR 50 AMBASSADOR

England Cricket coach and legend Andy Flower announced in the summer of 2011, his Ambassadorial role for Factor 50.

Andy underwent surgery for melanoma in 2010 and commenting on his role said:-  "When Gill approached  me to ask for my support it wasn’t a difficult decision for me at all.   I wish the team at Factor 50 and The Christie much success and am delighted to be associated with them’

Gill Nuttall said - "I am over the moon that a legend such as Andy Flower has agreed to lend his support to our cause - Skin Cancer is increasing in the UK faster than at any time and our campaign this summer is to get everyone to slap on the Factor50 and enjoy their summer holidays safe in the knowledge that they are at least protected.

The 2nd His & Hers Charity Ball - Saturday 4th June 2011

On Saturday 4 June the partners and staff at Ralli turned up at The Point, Manchester’s new venue and partied until the early hours.  Nothing new in that you might think, but this time we were partying with a difference.  The event was well attended and supported by Ralli staff and partners and many clients and supporters of Factor 50.

Beginning with a red carpet entrance, guests were played in by a young saxophone quartet, Casual Sax and the champagne reception .  Ralli’s managing partner Martin Coyne gave the welcome speech, during which he spoke of the work Factor 50 do for The Christie and the man behind it, Jon Herron.  Jon’s family joined us again this year, travelling over from Northern Ireland.   

Dr Paul Lorigan was unable to attend this year’s dinner and his speech was read out by Terry Christian who was in attendance – a doctor’s speech being delivered by Terry was an unusual twist, but went down a storm!

The evening was an amazing success – the Ralli girls did the rounds and did a great job of collecting money in for the raffle which was  two beautiful Tag watches (kindly donated by David M Robinson).  The auction and raffle prizes were all kindly donated by various people and businesses in the North West. 

The entertainment was provided by Eminent Management, including Martin Toal, The Revolverz, Ponticello and as an extra, we ended with a wonderful firework display, sponsored by Gunpowder Media. The evening closed at 1am, with a lot of very happy faces, pleased to have had such a wonderful evening and to have supported such a great cause.

There are various fundraising events going on throughout the coming months and each individual/group has their own page. Please log on to their pages, have a look at the great efforts that are being made and if you are sponsoring them, follow the links to the online donations.   

See photographs of the first ever Ralli Factor 50 Ball!

For all enquiries, please contact us and we will do our best to get back to you within 24 hours.