Over 160 guests dressed to impress and raised an incredible £20,000 for Aurora Breast Cancer Wellbeing at the ‘Live, Love, Sparkle’ charity dinner, held on Saturday night at the stunning Winkworth Farm, near Malmesbury.
The glamorous sell-out event, sponsored by endomag, kicked off Breast Cancer Awareness Month in style, with a pink sparkling reception, three-course dinner, and live music from local band The Loudhailers.
Hosted by TV presenter Manish Bhasin, the evening was organised by Gemma Duff, a local mum of two who lives with secondary (incurable) breast cancer. Since her diagnosis in 2019 at just 36 years old, Gemma has devoted herself to raising awareness and vital funds to support others living with the disease.
“Turning something negative into a positive”
Speaking after the event, Gemma said:
“I’m delighted, and very proud, to have hosted the second ‘Live, Love, Sparkle’ charity dinner for Aurora. Tickets sold out within days of being announced — even after adding more to meet demand!
“Raising £20,000 is absolutely staggering, and I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who supported the event and helped make it such a success.”
Gemma added that this year’s dinner was particularly meaningful:
“It was held six years to the very day I was diagnosed — when I was given a life expectancy of four years. Being diagnosed with cancer is devastating, and being diagnosed at 36 with two young children is unbelievably unfair. But I’m determined to turn something wholly negative into a positive. Fundraising gives me focus, and I’ve found real energy and passion in raising awareness so others might push for answers that could save their life.”
Supporting Women with Secondary Breast Cancer
All proceeds from the ‘Live, Love, Sparkle’ charity dinner will go directly to Aurora Breast Cancer Wellbeing and Aurora Gems — a dedicated support network for young and pre-menopausal women living with secondary breast cancer, established in Gemma’s name.
Aurora was founded by Breast Surgeon Anushka Chaudhry and Breast Cancer Specialist Nurse Charlayne Harding. The charity provides emotional, social, and practical support to women across Wiltshire and Gloucestershire, empowering them through diagnosis, treatment, and beyond.
“Aurora’s work makes a real difference to women’s lives,” Gemma said. “It’s a community of strength, positivity and support — and I’m honoured to be part of it.”
About Aurora Breast Cancer Wellbeing
Aurora is a compassionate, community-driven charity offering support for young, pre-menopausal women affected by breast cancer. Through peer networks, wellbeing activities, and dedicated programmes, Aurora helps women navigate the emotional and physical challenges of breast cancer and secondary diagnosis.
To find out more or to support the charity, visit www.aurorawellbeing.org.uk.
