A touching tribute to much-loved charity worker who lost cancer battle aged 39
A FUNDRAISING ball organised by homebuilder Bellway in memory of “inspirational” charity worker Sophie Busson has raised £50,312 for Cancer Research UK.
Sophie, who died of cancer in July last year at the age of 39, had been Wales Relationship Manager for the charity since 2021 and worked closely with Bellway’s Wales division on its regular fundraising efforts.
Bellway chose Cancer Research UK as its national charity partner in 2016 and has since raised £5.1 million for the cause. In Wales, Sophie collaborated on a number of fundraising initiatives, including the division’s annual golf tournament, which she regularly attended and spoke at.
In her memory, Bellway hosted a fundraising ball on Saturday, January 31, at the Park Plaza Cardiff, pledging to double match the funds raised on the night and add that to the final total.
More than 200 guests attended the event, which featured dinner, speeches, a raffle and auction, live music and a comedy set from Ignacio Lopez.
Cancer Research UK Relationship Manager Louise Gash addressed guests during the evening, paying tribute to Sophie and thanking Bellway for its continued support.
Later, she said: “A wonderful, fun event with a serious message and a beautiful tribute to our colleague, Sophie. Cancer Research UK are extremely grateful for the money raised by Bellway Wales and Sophie would have been so proud.”
Sophie, from Newport, was first diagnosed and treated for breast cancer at the age of 30. In 2023, the cancer returned.
Rachel Singers, personal assistant to the Bellway Wales Managing Director, met Sophie twice a year to plan fundraising events and said she left a lasting impression.
“Sophie was so funny and full of energy. She never moaned; she was a joy to work with, and meetings with her would brighten up my day,” she said.
“She often spoke of her family and cherished her two sons, Leo and Reggie. She was grateful for the people in her life and time spent with them.
“Despite the burden of her diagnosis, Sophie was always smiling, always hopeful, and she tried to live her life to the full every day, which motivated me to do the same. She truly was, and still is, an inspiration.”
Following Sophie’s death, Rachel suggested holding a fundraising ball in her memory, and Bellway Wales agreed.
Among those attending were Sophie’s husband Gareth Busson and her twin sister Stephanie Savigar, along with colleagues from Cancer Research UK.
During the auction, flooring sub-contractor VisionFlor successfully bid £4,000 for a week’s villa stay in Turkey and donated it to Sophie’s family. The holiday had been donated by Julie and Vince McCormick of V & C, a painting and dry-lining sub-contractor.
The evening not only celebrated Sophie’s life but also raised vital funds to support ongoing cancer research across Wales.
