Our #theglovesareon Campaign has taken its next stunning step with the launch of the Soraya Kelly Foundation.
The charity, which will support causes close to Soraya’s heart, was announced at a recent Fund Raiser at the salubrious St David’s Hotel.
Hosted by Capital Radio’s Polly James, the fabulous night raised nearly £12,000 – all of which will be donated to charitable causes. This includes the Caron Keating Foundation, the Breast Cancer Unit at Llandough Hospital and others.
Soraya took the stage to applaud these charities, and to also explain how the #glovesareon Campaign will now continue to raise cash to fund the Foundation. All monies raised will then be given to any worthy charity through an application process.
Dressed in the required pink dress, or tie, the packed audience dug deep in their pockets as they watched the Campaign Advert Launch.
The inclusive and diverse film was made by energetic University of South Wales (USW) students – with full support of the Caron Keating Foundation through the Hunniford family. Its backing track is the haunting ‘The Gloves Are On’ by sixteen-year-old talented Irish singer songwriter Eva Campbell.
Emma Mallam’s dance troupe E-Motion started the evening which included live entertainment from the ‘Jumping Jimmies’ and up and coming rapper Fran B. Fran has written a song for the USW students planned documentary of the Campaign.
The event was sponsored by Spires (Cardiff), Sony, Amser, Concept Fire and Electrical, and Crabtree. Virgin Holidays in Cardiff provided the goodie bags which included a copy of the local Style and the City magazine.
Soraya said; “I am absolutely blown away again by the support of so many people. It is these talented people who have really driven #theglovesareon and who made the Charity evening such a stunning success. Thank you so much.
I am now looking forward to the next exciting stage. I have trademarked the #theglovesareon brand and it is with this certificate in hand I can continue to support those causes close to my heart. I am opening a shop and look forward to to raising the cash needed to change people’s lives and make a difference.
This campaign is all about inclusion for all – it does not discriminate and therefore will support all. United we stand in our fight.”
Mum of four Soraya, started #theglovesareon in a bid to raise awareness of early detection and prompt treatment of the cancer after beating the disease earlier this year.
The 48 year-old, who underwent a lumpectomy and weeks of gruelling daily radiotherapy, launched the courageous campaign in a bid to highlight this issue. She called our to others to come and stand alongside her in support.
After candidly sharing her story on social media, a whole host of celebrities, politicians, sports stars, companies, community groups, cancer survivors, and those who have been affected by the disease soon stepped up to help.
#theglovesareon is all about the courage to step back in the ring when life knocks you down, the strength to keep fighting through adversity, the swagger to celebrate the success you deserve, and the faith that you will make that crucial difference in our world.
Read Soraya’s unbelieveably inspirational story here.
Follow the #glovesareon Campaign on Facebook and also on Twitter
Speak soon.
Mrs SVJ
Sue Vincent-Jones, writing as Mrs SVJ, is a Barry born journalist, editor, and communications specialist. She blogs about Barry – and her life in the wider world, through the eyes of a, quirky and queer, local girl done good.
As Chair of #TheGlovesAreOn Sue promotes the work of the Charity, who are passionate about making a difference for our children and young people through education. She is also both LGBTQ Lead, and Communications Advisor, for the collective.
Mrs SVJ, Barry’s Boldest Blogger, can be contacted here.