20 years ago Sarah Pattinson in Leeds didn’t hesitate to help her sister Kim O’Rourke, who was diagnosed with breast cancer – she organised a grand ball and auction, and Pink Events was born. Then Sarah and their Mum Maureen were both diagnosed with breast cancer, and Kim with an added heart condition.
The extended family did what they do. The rallied around and organised more events and fundraisers, pulling in huge amounts to help St James’s Hospital’s Breast Care Unit with equipment and funding for research.
Sarah very sadly died in 2023. The Ball returned this year thanks to the determination and will of the fantastic family, trustees and volunteers. I hosted the first Pink Ball and the legendary auction 20 years ago, and have done every year since. I’m also hugely honoured to be a patron of this amazing charity.
We had a great night at the 2025 event at The Leeds Marriott Hotel, where, on the night, including donations, we raised £32,000 towards a running total of £480,000! An amazing sum that will do a huge amount of good.
I’m quite simply blown away by this extraordinary, inspirational family, who know no barriers, and are doing the most amazing things to help combat this awful disease, always with a laugh and an incredible optimism, despite all the adversity that’s come their way. It’s great to see the new generations coming through with Kim’s son James O’Rourke taking the reins this year. If you’ve got a pound or two to spare take a look at www.pinkevents.org.uk
