Newark Netball tournament, sponsored by chartered accountants Wright Vigar, to benefit Head & Neck Cancer Foundation

The Head & Neck Cancer Foundation (HNCF) will be the beneficiary of a charity netball tournament organised by a woman in memory of her late father.

The tournament will take place on September 17 at Newark Academy.

Newark resident Nicki Glencross is hosting the event to raise money in memory of her late father, who passed away from throat cancer in May.

Head and neck cancers are the sixth most common group of cancers.

Nicki said: “In 2017, my dad was diagnosed with throat cancer after noticing a lump in his throat when swallowing.

“Radiotherapy was successful however the cancer sadly returned.

“In early 2020, he underwent a 10-hour laryngectomy and had to live with a stoma.

“In January we received the devastating news that the cancer was back, this time at the back of his neck.

“It had already caused part of his spine to crumble away and because of its location, surgery wasn't an option.

“We were advised there was nothing the doctors could do and he sadly passed away in May.

“I play netball in a local social league and attend the England Netball Back to Netball training so thought I'd make the most of those contacts and get as many teams as possible together for a tournament to raise funds.

“Whilst this fantastic work sadly won't benefit my dad, it will hopefully help others in the future.”

Chartered accountants Wright Vigar will sponsor the event.

Those interested in signing up for the event should register using the form here; registration closes on September 10.

The money from the day and via the online fundraiser will support the work of HNCF.

The charity is pioneering several revolutionary treatments for head and neck cancers, such as using augmented reality and 3D scans to display life-sized holograms through AR goggles, allowing surgeons to see the tumour through the surrounding skin.

The charity also trains surgical teams across the UK and internationally. HNCF is developing a training programme of virtual reality experiences to help surgeons immerse themselves in real surgeries.

It has also just launched another online programme to expand the reach of training in the first treatment it pioneered – Sentinel Node Biopsy.

Michelle Vickers, chief executive at the Head & Neck Cancer Foundation, added: “We are so grateful to Nicki for setting up the netball tournament to help raise funds for HNCF.

“Through this relationship, we hope to raise further awareness around the severity of head and neck cancers and the importance of early diagnosis.

“Sadly over 30 people every day get the life-shattering news that they have a head or neck tumour.

“Our work directly saves lives, so if you’re a keen netballer in Nottinghamshire, please support the tournament and get your team together.”

Tom Maxwell, marketing manager at Wright Vigar, said: “As a proud supporter of community initiatives, Wright Vigar recognises the value of fundraising activities and giving back to the communities we serve.

“This sponsorship is just one of the many ways we strive to create a positive impact in our local community and aligns perfectly with our commitment to community engagement.

“We extend our wishes to the organisers for a successful event and good luck to all the participants.”

The tournament runs from 10am–4pm (registration 9.30am).

Entry is £72 per team. Maximum of nine players per team.