Flutter Entertainment, a global leader in sports betting and gaming, has made a remarkable contribution to the fight against blood cancer. The company recently announced that it has raised an impressive £357,000 ($453,000) to support Cure Leukaemia, a leading blood cancer charity. This funding will be instrumental in furthering clinical trials and groundbreaking research, particularly through the newly established Aticus network.

Flutter Raises £357,000 for Cure Leukaemia’s Groundbreaking Research

Significance of the Aticus Network in Blood Cancer Treatment

The Aticus network represents a transformative initiative in the UK’s healthcare landscape. This nationwide infrastructure connects 15 hospitals, providing a streamlined platform for patients to access cutting-edge treatments. The network requires £1 million annually to operate, and Flutter’s contribution is a critical step towards sustaining its operations.

For the first time this year, the Aticus network will extend its services to pediatric patients, offering families new hope for advanced treatments. By enabling participation in clinical trials, Aticus ensures that patients across the UK have access to innovative therapies that could significantly improve survival rates and quality of life.

Fundraising Through the Flutter Charity Ball

A significant portion of the funds raised came from the Flutter Charity Ball, held at the Royal Armouries in Leeds. This high-profile event, hosted by ITV Racing presenters Ed Chamberlin and Oli Bell, raised an astounding £282,000 in a single night.

The ball attracted notable figures, including sports personalities, charity ambassadors, and patrons, all united in their mission to support Cure Leukaemia. The evening featured heartfelt testimonials from individuals whose lives have been directly impacted by the charity’s work, highlighting the tangible difference that these funds make.

Ambassador Spotlight: George Lineker’s Inspiring Story

Among the event’s ambassadors was George Lineker, son of renowned footballer Gary Lineker. George shared his journey of overcoming acute myeloid leukaemia as a baby, offering a powerful testament to the life-saving impact of clinical trials. His story resonated deeply with attendees, reinforcing the critical role that organizations like Cure Leukaemia play in supporting patients and their families.

Personal Stories: A Testament to the Importance of Clinical Trials

The event also spotlighted families such as Jo and Jim Hawkridge, who shared their emotional journey. Their son’s life was saved through clinical trials supported by Cure Leukaemia, underscoring the importance of continued funding for research and innovation. These powerful narratives illustrated the real-world impact of the Aticus network and the charity’s broader initiatives.

Corporate Commitment: Flutter’s Positive Impact Plan

Flutter’s fundraising efforts align with its broader Positive Impact Plan, a comprehensive strategy aimed at improving 10 million lives globally by 2030. This plan encompasses a wide range of community-focused programs, including initiatives in health, education, and social responsibility.

Steve Birch, Chief Commercial Officer of Sky Betting & Gaming (a Flutter subsidiary), emphasized the significance of the charity ball, stating: “The charity ball is always our biggest fundraising event, and every year our colleagues and partners never disappoint as they come together to raise money for well-deserving causes. I’ve visited the Christy Research Centre in Manchester, one of 15 centres supported by Cure Leukaemia, and I’ve seen firsthand the vital impact of the funds we’ve raised.”

This statement reflects the deep commitment of Flutter and its employees to making a positive difference in the communities they serve.

Future Goals: Expanding Support and Advancing Research

The funds raised will enable Cure Leukaemia to continue its pioneering work in blood cancer research. As the Aticus network expands, more patients, including children, will gain access to life-saving clinical trials. These trials are often the only option for patients who have exhausted standard treatment protocols.

Flutter’s ongoing support is not only a testament to its corporate social responsibility but also a beacon of hope for thousands of families affected by blood cancer. The company’s efforts demonstrate the powerful impact of corporate partnerships in driving meaningful change.

The Broader Impact of Corporate Fundraising

Corporate fundraising initiatives like Flutter’s play a pivotal role in addressing some of the most pressing health challenges of our time. By leveraging its global reach and resources, Flutter is setting a precedent for other corporations to follow. The success of the Flutter Charity Ball highlights the potential of collaborative efforts between businesses, charities, and communities.

A Call to Action

The fight against blood cancer is far from over, and continued support from both corporate and individual donors is essential. With the Aticus network poised to make a significant impact, every contribution brings us closer to a world where blood cancer is no longer a life-threatening diagnosis.

FAQs About Flutter Raises £357,000 for Cure Leukaemia’s Groundbreaking Research

1. What is Flutter Entertainment?

Flutter Entertainment is a global leader in the sports betting and gaming industry. It operates well-known brands such as Paddy Power, Betfair, and Sky Betting & Gaming. The company is committed to corporate social responsibility through initiatives like its Positive Impact Plan.

2. How much did Flutter raise for Cure Leukaemia?

Flutter raised £357,000 ($453,000) for Cure Leukaemia through various fundraising efforts, with a significant portion coming from the Flutter Charity Ball.

3. What is Cure Leukaemia?

Cure Leukaemia is a leading UK-based blood cancer charity that funds life-saving clinical trials and research to develop innovative treatments for patients. It supports a network of 15 specialist centres across the UK.

4. What is the Aticus network?

The Aticus network is a nationwide infrastructure supported by Cure Leukaemia. It connects 15 UK hospitals, providing blood cancer patients access to advanced clinical trials. The network costs £1 million annually to operate and has recently expanded to include pediatric patients.

5. What is the Flutter Charity Ball?

The Flutter Charity Ball is an annual fundraising event hosted by Flutter Entertainment. Held at the Royal Armouries in Leeds, the 2024 event raised £282,000. It featured notable attendees, including sports personalities, charity ambassadors, and patrons.

6. Who were the key speakers at the Flutter Charity Ball?

Key speakers included George Lineker, son of footballer Gary Lineker, who shared his personal experience of surviving acute myeloid leukaemia, and Jo and Jim Hawkridge, who shared how clinical trials saved their son’s life.

7. What is Flutter’s Positive Impact Plan?

Flutter’s Positive Impact Plan is a corporate social responsibility initiative aimed at improving 10 million lives globally by 2030. It includes efforts in health, education, and social responsibility, with a strong focus on community support.

8. How will the funds raised be used?

The funds raised will support Cure Leukaemia’s Aticus network, enabling it to provide access to life-saving clinical trials for both adults and children. The funds help sustain the network’s operations and expand its reach.