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Belfast at night with lights from the buildings reflected in the River Lagan.

Business Beats Cancer Northern Ireland

The next event will be our annual dinner, Saturday 28th March 2026 at Titanic Belfast. For more information on how you can get involved please register your interest.

Register your interest

Business Beats Cancer Northern Ireland

Business Beats Cancer Northern Ireland brings together business leaders to raise vital funds for Cancer Research UK. The Business Beats Cancer Northern Ireland board is one of a growing network of boards across the UK. Each board organises an exciting annual fundraising event that brings together businesses in its local area to beat cancer.

Keep up with the latest Business Beats Cancer Northern Ireland news

Our board

Our Board is a group of dynamic professionals, who like most of the population have been touched by cancer through close friends or family and have been inspired to work together to raise funds for Cancer Research UK.

Carley Chapman (Chair)

Business Beats Cancer Belfast board member.

I wanted to become involved with Business Beats Cancer Belfast after witnessing first-hand what a serious and horrible disease cancer is when my mum was diagnosed with breast cancer. Being a member of the board is a great way to raise awareness and funds for Cancer Research UK and to feel that you are doing something worthwhile.

Rachel Fowler (Treasurer)

Business Beats Cancer Belfast board member.

My own Mum took part in many clinical trials during her Cancer journey and these may not have been possible without Cancer Research UK. I have joined Business Beats Cancer to promote the work of Cancer Research UK, raise vital funds and hopefully have some fun along the way.

- Rachel Fowler, Director, Rachel Fowler Advisory

Dave McAleese

Business Beats Cancer Belfast board member.

We have all unfortunately lost friends and family to cancer, but in the space of a few weeks I saw both my brother-in-law and a very good personal friend lose their battles with pancreatic cancer. Knowing that BBC supports research and supports patients here in our own local towns and cities, I was keen to help out wherever possible.

- Director, MacAllister McAleese Solicitors

Catherine O'Keefe

Business Beats Cancer Belfast board member.

I’m passionate about making a real impact in the fight against cancer.  Having experienced first-hand the challenges faced by family and friends battling the disease, I’m motivated to contribute to a cause that seeks to alleviate suffering and promote innovative research locally.

Judith Stewart

Business Beats Cancer Belfast board member.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer 6 years ago, at 28 years old. I saw first-hand how the research conducted into this form of cancer not only saved my life but also how it is so integral with the other parts of my cancer journey that continue today that many people don’t see.

Karen Hewitt

Business Beats Cancer Belfast board member.

Being on the Business Beats Cancer Board will give me the opportunity to use my skill set to help organise amazing fund-raising events. This will greatly help people and families in Northern Ireland affected by cancer.

Sophie Currie

Business Beats Cancer Belfast board member.

I’ve always enjoyed organising and planning events, always say if I hadn’t gone into accountancy, I would have loved to have been an event planner.  When I saw the opportunity come up to join the Board of Business Beats Cancer Belfast I jumped at the chance.  I felt I could do something I love and even more importantly do it for an amazing cause.

Louise Whittendale

Business Beats Cancer Belfast board member.

I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to join the board of Business Beats Cancer Belfast. The cancer statistics are startling and research into how to prevent, treat and cure cancer is more important now than ever before.

Ruth Cunningham

Business Beats Cancer Belfast board member.

For several years, I have been an ardent follower of Belfast Business Beats Cancer, a cause that resonates deeply with me. The organisation’s dynamism and proven track record of success have been a source of inspiration, compelling me to join their esteemed board.

Scott Edmondson

Business Beats Cancer Belfast board member.

I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to join the board of Business Beats Cancer Belfast. I have joined the board to help raise vital funds and to promote the amazing work of Cancer Research UK and I am so looking forward to working with like-minded professionals to make a difference for people in Northern Ireland.

Aine Rice

Business Beats Cancer Belfast board member.

Cancer, unfortunately, is a disease that touches many of us, our families, our friends. I look forward to contributing to the efforts of Business Beats Cancer Belfast to raise much needed awareness, funds and to promote the efforts of Cancer Research UK and the ground breaking work that goes on locally in the Patrick G Johnson Centre.

What we're funding in Northern Ireland

In Northern Ireland, we're bringing together the best minds from Queen’s University Belfast, the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and other local organisations.

It's home to one of our Adult Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre (ECMC), which we co-fund with the health department in Northern Ireland. The ECMC brings together lab scientists and cancer doctors from local universities and NHS trusts to speed up the flow of ideas and new treatments from the lab to the clinic.