On 12 February, WOMAC held its 2008 party at the Imperial War Museum. 400 guests turned out to participate in a fun-packed night of fundraising activities, great food and drink and a chance to look around the fascinating war exhibitions. Guests were welcomed by WOMAC's chairman, Janet Wilkinson. She thanked the guests for supporting another WOMAC party and reminded them about what WOMAC does.

“The aim was - and still is - to fund research to find a cancer cure or improve treatment, to alleviate suffering and to support schemes that help make life just a little easier for sufferers.

“Since WOMAC began, we have donated a substantial amount to various cancer-related research projects and causes. The annual WOMAC party is a focus for our activities and is an opportunity to remember our family members, friends and colleagues who have lost their fight. And, perhaps more importantly, to celebrate with those who have survived cancer.”

Janet went on to explain the two projects WOMAC has chosen to support this year, both of which have the potential to make significant improvements in the treatment of cancer.

WOMAC is supporting Leukaemia Research with a revolutionary test that will show doctors which cancer patients are at risk of relapse and who need more intensive treatment. And the good news is that if a patient is doing well, they can be spared from receiving the most toxic chemotherapy drugs. WOMAC is donating £20,000 which will give 27 leukaemia patients access to this Minimal Residual Disease Test.

Neuroblastoma is a rare and aggressive cancer affecting about 100 children in the UK each year. A research project at the Royal Marsden Hospital aims to identify the genes that make someone susceptible to it. This year WOMAC will donate £5,000 which will fund a key component of this research.

Janet went on to tell guests that “We can't do any of this without you - our lovely supporters. And that's another good thing about our annual party. We get to say a huge thank you to you all. Your generous support is much appreciated and certainly not taken for granted. We are only too well aware of the ever-increasing demands on your time and money.”

Later in the evening, well-known motoring journalist Mike Brewer drew the raffle tickets for a wide range of prizes from cars - pedal, radio-controlled and real ones for a weekend! - to iPod Nanos signed by various celebrities.

All of us in WOMAC send our grateful thanks to everyone who contributed so generously.