Our 3rd CGD Society Gala Concert was held in memory of Jordan Dea and Kade Jeffries and tributes to these two special children appeared in the programme.
Both the pre-concert reception goers and the regular concert goers alike were delighted by the evening’s entertainment. A lovely evening was introduced with a burst of energy and enthusiasm by Sue Perkins. Toby Purser and the Orion Orchestra delivered stunning performances. The audience was thrilled by pianist Ben Schoeman, who played Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No 1, Op 10 and performances by the Tenori (James Edwards, Alexander Grove and Stephen Brown, (who stood in at the last moment) were applauded furiously. ‘I loved the Prokofiev’, ‘The Tenori were the real highlight for me’, ‘Toby and the Orion are better than ever’, ‘Wasn’t Sue Perkins terrific!’ were all comments heard at the end of the evening.
Sue conducted the Marriage of Figaro with professional aplomb, despite prefacing her performance with apologies. She introduced fellow speakers Alina Lapuerta, trustee of the charity and event committee member and later Karen von Doetinchem, whose son is affected by chronic granulomatous disorder (CGD). Alina thanked Sue Perkins and the soloist performers for giving their time and talent and the evening’s sponsors – Grant Thornton, Genius Foods and Extraordinary Leadership. She explained that people who suffer from CGD have been born with a faulty gene in their bone marrow which means that their white blood cells cannot produce the natural disinfectant the body needs to fight off infection and elaborated on the impact this has. Alina went on to say how the CGD Society works to help families through supporting families and boosting research; she emphasised how much the charity needs continued support.
Karen shared her personal experience of coping with CGD and explained how the charity helps her family and others. Simple information to counteract a plethora of alarmist internet material and access to a CGD clinical nurse specialist are examples of the difference the charity makes to her. Knowing that the CGD Society is there specifically for CGD families helps keep Karen going, as does providing hope for the future through furthering research. Acknowledging the need for continued support, Karen told the audience just how grateful she was for their support by turning out to join us at Cadogan Hall.
The audience responded with amazing generosity, placing over £2,000 in the collection boxes as they left Cadogan Hall.
We’d like to give a huge ‘Thank You’ to everyone who contributed to marvellous evening, including our caterers Event Oracle.
Pictured left, from the top: Our evening's host, Sue Perkins; Alina Lapuerta, trustee; Toby Purser, conductor of Orion; Sue passing on accolades at the end of a great evening. Our photographer was Peter Knight, of Knight + Daines who kindly donated his time and skill.
IMPORTANT NOTE :
The information contained on this website is intended only as a guideline, not as a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your doctor if you or your child has any CGD symptoms or concerns.
© 2001-2007 The Chronic Granulomatous Disorder (CGD) Research Trust
Registered Charity No. 1003425 email:cgd@cgdrt.co.uk
The CGD Research Trust is a member of the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC), the Genetic Interest Group (GiG) and an associate member of the International Patient Organisation of Primary Immunodeficiencies (IPOPI)
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