I recently had the pleasure of attending the Cure Leukaemia Charity Cricket Day at the Paul Getty Estate in Buckinghamshire.
Cure Leukaemia is a registered charity which was founded in October 2003. It was set up to support an innovative center for Clinical Haematology at the University Hospital Birmingham known generally as the Leaukaemia Centre. This centre aims to provide new drug and transplant therapies for leukaemia patients. It is being achieved by providing support for an established team of world class scientists and clinicians who are working together to develop new and highly effective treatments for leukaemia. In addition, the Leukaemia Centre strives to support patients and give access to information and resources.
Since 2004 £3.2 million has been raised by the charity. This has been spent on the new Leukaemia Centre, the funding of fourteen research nurses, statisticians and coordinators and equipment as well support for the patients. The results are startling and have attracted nearly £12 million of pro bono drugs donated by pharmaceutical companies for clinical trials which will benefit patients who are part of the trials at the Leukaemia Centre.
Wormsley has been described as the most beautiful cricket ground in England and anyone who has played cricket there will never forget the experience. Sir Paul Getty was a devotee of all things English, especially the most English of games, cricket. His vision and creation of an Arcadian cricket ground at Wormsley was a source of joy to him and his family. Her Majesty The Queen Mother, Sir John Major, Michael Caine, Dennis Compton and Brian Johnston were amongst those that enjoyed play at the inaugural game in 1992. Since then Wormsley has seen great winnings from many players including 100’s from Brian Lara, Graham Gooch, Imran Khan, Andrew Flintoff and Mike Gatting.
The Cricket Day was attended by leading Warwickshire county cricketers, the club’s chosen charity for 2009. Guests enjoyed Pimms and Lemonade under the marque, overlooking the immaculate field of play and the sloping Chiltern Hills beyond. Red Kites wheeled overhead, floating on the air currents while the matches unfolded on a perfect summers afternoon.
A grand auction was held aiming to raise further support for the new leaukeamia center which included Stanley Matthew paintings, signed limited edition print of Warwickshire players and a signed 20/20 Warwiskcshire County Shirt to name but a few items. The Exclusive Vale do Lobo Golf Resort & Spa kindly offered a weekend for two including a round of golf and spa treatment which will be auctioned off at the Cure Leukaemia Christmas Ball in December when the charity hopes to raise more support for this much needed cause.
Mario Sardo
Senior Property Consultant at IRG International Realty Group
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