Over £200,000 raised for the Future Fund by our long-time supporters
In 2024, Tracy and Robert Sinton marked ten years of community fundraising for the University by hosting the ‘Don’t Stop Believing’ ball in memory of their late son, Joseph. The Future Fund supports vital PhD studentships at our Wolfson Childhood Cancer research centre.
18 December 2024
In 2024, Tracy and Robert Sinton marked ten years of community fundraising for the University by hosting the ‘Don’t Stop Believing’ ball in memory of their late son, Joseph. The Future Fund supports vital PhD studentships at our Wolfson Childhood Cancer research centre.
The Sintons' said:
‘Our beautiful little boy, Joseph, died in 2014 following a 3-year battle with an aggressive brain tumour. In memory of Joseph, for all of those children undergoing cancer treatments and for those whose battles are yet to begin, we fundraise to support the vital research being carried out into Childhood Cancers at Newcastle University.’
The Future Fund and its impact
Established in 2014, the Future Fund was initially set up to create a specialist children’s cancer research facility at the University. This goal was achieved in 2016 with the opening of the Wolfson Childhood Cancer research centre.
Today, the Future Fund supports PhD studentships at the Centre, where students work alongside clinical and research teams from across the city to advance the understanding and treatment of childhood cancers.
The ‘Don’t Stop Believing’ ball
This year’s ball, established in 2015, was a festive evening with live music and activities, including a raffle, tombola, and the ever-popular bottle draw. It brought the community together in celebration and remembrance, serving as a heartfelt tribute to Joseph’s memory.
With over 200 attendees, the event celebrated the incredible milestone of raising £200,000 for the Future Fund, along with over £13,000 being raised on the night bringing the Sintons’ fundraising total to £225,607.
These photos were taken by @kaosmrphotos.
Our community of alumni and supporters
The Sintons’ story is a testament to the extraordinary impact of community fundraising and how our community of donors help support our mission to advance childhood cancer research.
Thank you, Tracy and Robert!