Richard Soan breaks half million pound milestone for Teenage Cancer Trust

 A Lewes businessman has raised more than half a million pounds for Teenage Cancer Trust by holding his annual charity race day. 

Richard Soan, who was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to fundraising for Teenage Cancer Trust, held the event at Brighton Racecourse. He has been supporting the charity for 15 years and has now raised more than £500,000 to help support young people with cancer. 

 The money raised will be used by Teenage Cancer Trust to fund specialist hospital units, nurses and youth workers across the UK that provide outstanding age-appropriate care and emotional support to those in need. 

  Richard’s event receives generous support from the roofing and construction industry from suppliers to contractors and surveyors and architects, along with their guests.  This year saw sponsorship from The Encon Group and Knauf UK and a record turn out with 400 people in attendance.  The guests showed their generous support in the raffle and record breaking auction by bidding for some incredible money can’t buy donated auction items. 

  Richard was joined on the day by Chair Designate of Teenage Cancer Trust, Andy Ransom, and by Faye Mullins 20, from West Sussex.  Faye was 19 when she was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in January 2025. 

  Faye received intensive chemotherapy treatment at the University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust before receiving the all clear in July last year. She spoke eloquently to guests about the impact of their fundraising, the unique challenges of being diagnosed with cancer as a teenager and her incredible support from her nurse. 

  Richard decided to start fundraising for Teenage Cancer Trust back in 2010 

and never imagined he would raise more than half a million pounds to support young people with cancer. 

 Richard Soan BEM said: “We had a fantastic day with record numbers attending the day and a record amount raised for Teenage Cancer Trust. 

  "I am beyond grateful for the wonderful support we received from our event sponsors, our partners who generously donated to the auction, all of our supporters and their guests, and of course Brighton Racecourse. Each year, the event gets bigger and better, and the generosity shown never ceases to amaze me. 

  "I am in awe of the work Teenage Cancer Trust does, not only for young people facing cancer, but also for the families whose lives are turned upside down when a son, daughter, brother or sister receives such devastating news.   

"I am incredibly proud to support Teenage Cancer Trust and very grateful to everyone who helped make this year’s event such a success.” 

  Helen Farquharson, Regional Fundraising Area Manager  from Teenage Cancer Trust, said: “Cancer is tough. But Teenage Cancer Trust’s work puts young people in the best possible place, physically, mentally and emotionally, for their cancer treatment and beyond. 

“But we’re dependent on donations for this vital work, which is why we’re so very grateful to Richard, his family and all the guests and sponsors for their support.” 

"This was an extra special occasion as we celebrated Richard’s well deserved Honours accolade together and heard such moving words from Faye about the impact of the support of everyone involved.    

“To hit this milestone is an amazing achievement and we want to say a  huge and heartfelt thank you from everyone at Teenage Cancer Trust.”  

 To find out how to fundraise or make a donation for Teenage Cancer Trust, visit - www.teenagecancertrust.org