Connect Multi Academy Trust Raises Over £23,000 for Business Beats Cancer North East
Connect Multi Academy Trust is proud to announce that it has raised an incredible £23,000 over the past year in support of Business Beats Cancer North East, a charity dedicated to funding life‑saving cancer research in our region.
This remarkable achievement reflects the generosity, commitment, and community spirit of staff, pupils, families, and partners across all eight schools within the Trust.
The fundraising year culminated in a prestigious gala dinner held at St James’ Park, where business leaders, supporters, and charity partners gathered to celebrate the collective impact of the Business Beats Cancer network. As a board member of the charity, Linda Rodham, CEO of Connect Multi Academy Trust, played a key role in organising the event and representing the education sector’s contribution to the cause.
Members of Connect’s central team and several Trustees were invited to attend the evening, joining hundreds of guests in recognising the power of collaboration in supporting cancer research. One of the highlights of the night came when Linda Rodham formally handed over the cheque, marking the culmination of a year of dedicated fundraising efforts across the Trust.
The gala dinner also celebrated the wider work of the Business Beats Cancer network, which brings together organisations from across the North East to raise vital funds for Cancer Research UK. Connect’s involvement demonstrates the Trust’s commitment not only to education, but to making a meaningful difference in the communities it serves.
Building on this year’s success, Connect is already preparing for its next major fundraising initiative, and this one promises to bring all eight schools together in a fun, energetic, and inclusive challenge.
Later this term, pupils and staff will take part in ‘Race Around the World’, a Trust‑wide event where schools will collectively attempt to cover the distance of a global journey using stationary bikes and rowing machines. Each school will contribute miles, with progress tracked across the Trust as teams work together to complete the challenge.
The challenge will launch with a shared countdown across all schools, and updates will be shared throughout the event as the Trust works together to “travel” across continents.
From gala dinners to school‑based challenges, Connect continues to demonstrate the power of partnership, not only within education, but across the wider region.
The £23,000 raised this year is a milestone achievement, and with new initiatives already underway, the Trust remains committed to supporting Business Beats Cancer North East and the vital research it funds.
Gala Dinner 2026
