PENGUINS AGAINST CANCER
The PAC AGM and Annual Dinner were held in the Robens Suite, Floor 29, Guy's Tower, Guy's Hospital on 21st October 2017.
Once the AGM was concluded, 80 PACsters sat down to a wonderful three-course meal with wine, expertly organised by Charlie Gush. The President welcomed everyone and during a short address, thanked those PACsters who were unable to attend for sponsoring Guy's students to attend in their places.
PAC 2017 AGM & Dinner
The Roben's Suite, 29th Floor, Guy's Hospital, London
Saturday 21st October 2017
This year's Magic Raffle included not only a giant Cuddly Penguin but Penguin Wine too!
The day really belonged to the Scholefield family. Earlier, the Penguins had seen off a spirited Freshers' XV (see match report here) to secure the Fergus Scholefield Memorial Trophy, established to honour the memory of Fergus, son of Barney and Lou, who tragically lost his life to cancer, following a very brave battle. The assembled Penguin flock gave a sustained round of applause to celebrate Fergus's too-short life.
There followed a brief round-up of PAC activities for the year (write-ups of these activities can be viewed here) including the establishment of the Fergus Scholefield Research Fund which has made its initial award of £5,000 to support the METALS study (the use of Metformin in Prostatic Cancer)].
PAC has now raised approximately £90,000 and disbursed £80,000 to-date in support of: cancer awareness, cancer research, cancer treatment and hospices. Key 2017 activities have been: The regaining of the Scanlan Cup in a close-fought match against the Guy's Present XV, Andrew Skyrme's outstandingly successful Dale Hill Golf Day, and students and others fundraising through, amongst other events, a mixed touch rugby tournament, Tommy Knight's boxing bout and a quiz night.
Our AGM Day raised well in excess of £1,000, largely through Pat Gush's Magic Raffle and auction (prizes donated by many, including: Sarah and Graham Hill, Charlotte Beardmore, Charlie Gush, Terry Gibson, Ann Howell, Pat Gush, Shay Reading and the Scholefield family).
PAC continues to have no administrative or running costs. PAC has now been selected as one of the Guy's Hospital RAG charities for 2018 which will bring even greater student involvement and should generate significant extra funding. Looking forward, PAC aims to exceed £100,000 raised in total in the forthcoming year which, coincidentally, is concurrent with Guy's Hospital Rugby Football Club's 175th anniversary season.
The closing of the dinner saw the Order of the Penguin (Emperor), for outstanding service to PAC, awarded by King Penguin Chris Howell to:
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Jamie Jackson (Penguin XV Captain, having led his side to victory in both the Jersey Veterans tournament and the Scholefield Cup)
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Louise Aaron (outstanding support as a PAC Student Rep.)
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'Kernow' Pete Davis (unfailing financial and moral support)
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Rory (longstanding vigorous supporter and all round good egg)
DARE QUAM ACCIPERE - It is better to give than to receive