York Rocks Christmas Against Cancer raises close to £16,000 for local charity York Against Cancer

On December 22nd of 2023, York Rocks Christmas Against Cancer kicked off the festive season with a bang in their charity concert to support York Against Cancer.

York Rocks Christmas Against Cancer was organised by local fundraising group YAC Promotions, who have been dedicated supporters of the charity for many years. Their various concerts and fundraisers have now raised an impressive £100,000 since beginning in 2013 and show no sign of slowing down over 10 years later.

The Christmas concert showcased performances from the York Rocks House band, along with four additional guest vocalists, band Rocketsmith and a phenomenal dance act from Attitude Dance Club. The Emmerdale Cast Band, Somewhere Near Hotten, also joined in on the fun, performing a fantastic set of  festive classics that got the venue on their feet.

Ian Surgenor, one of the driving forces behind YAC Promotions, put on the first York Rocks Against Cancer concert in 2013 after losing his stepmother to Bowel Cancer. Since then, he has been determined to raise funds to support the local community affected by cancer, alongside right-hand-man Martin Lettin. Ian states; “York Against Cancer punch so far above their weight, and with the help of YAC Promotions and the fabulous team I have working with me, we are really making a difference and raising the profile in and around the city. What they do for our local community is simply brilliant and I will continue to support the charity in any way I can.”

On sale at the event were York Against Cancer Santa hats, tickets for the “Grab a Grand” and baubles to be hung upon the tree onstage in memory of someone special. One individual truly exemplified the Christmas spirit when she won £1000 in the “Grab a Grand” challenge and elected to donate it back to the charity.

The evening was a tremendous success, raising just shy of £16,000 which will go directly towards York Against Cancer’s support services. Many local businesses also showed their support for the charity, Ainsty Ales taking the spotlight as the main sponsor of the night, while Sidings Restaurant contributed a generous £300 donation. At York Against Cancer, 78 pence of every pound goes straight to the people who need it most, funding services such as York Against Cancer’s free minibus for radiotherapy appointments in Leeds, two beautiful respite homes for cancer patients and their loved ones to stay in free of charge, cancer support centre The Leveson Centre, and funding ground-breaking cancer research in the University of York.

Julie Russell, CEO of York Against Cancer, said; “I would like to thank everyone who was involved in putting on York Rocks Christmas Against Cancer. It took a lot of hard work with hours of rehearsals and planning, and a special mention must go to Ian Surgenor and Martin Letting who made sure every detail was perfect; without their dedication it really wouldn’t have happened.  Singing along to Christmas songs really got our Christmas off to a great start! Making such a significant amount of money will help us continue to provide vital cancer services to the people that really need them.” 

Over the years, YAC Promotions have organised York Country, York Swings and York Musicals. Now their third installment of York Brass Against Cancer is swiftly approaching on the horizon, featuring the world famous Grimethorpe Colliery Band from blockbuster movie, Brassed off, on February 11th.

If you are interested in hosting a fundraiser of your own in 2024, the options are truly endless. From organising a golf day, to climbing a mountain or hosting a bake sale, every fundraiser matters in ensuring York Against Cancer can continue their support for a long time to come.