At Always Be Content, purpose drives everything we do. That’s why, for the past six years, we’ve proudly supported Business Beats Cancer Edinburgh (BBCE) as its creative partner – crafting bold visuals, compelling emails, and scroll-stopping social content to help bring the cause to life.
In 2023, that connection deepened. Our Director, Lou, stepped up as Chair of the BBCE Board, leading year-on-year progress and helping deliver the most successful event to date.
Lou captured it best in her opening remarks:
“As a board, we’re turning our pain into purpose. We want to shift the odds. The universe can seem so horribly unfair – but we have a chance to try and tip the scales. You can help ensure that more of us have a chance of more tomorrows”
Because when purpose meets passion, remarkable things happen.
A Night to Remember
Each year, BBCE brings Edinburgh’s business community together for one night with one goal: to help fund the fight against cancer. It’s more than an event – it’s a powerful reminder of what’s possible when business comes together for good. And in 2025, that possibility felt bigger than ever.
Prestonfield once again echoed with hope, warmth, and a shared sense of determination. Over 500 guests gathered for an unforgettable night in support of Cancer Research UK’s vital work in Scotland. And thanks to the incredible generosity of everyone involved, this year’s event raised a phenomenal £200,000 – bringing the Edinburgh board’s total to over £720,000 and cementing their position as the UK’s best performing Business Beats Cancer board.
But what made the evening so special wasn’t just the number – it was the spirit. It was the stories.
Stories That Stay With You
Opening the evening, BBC Political Editor Glenn Campbell stepped up to share a deeply personal journey. Known for telling others’ stories, this time Glenn shared his own: his 2023 diagnosis, his advocacy for brain tumour research, and a powerful perspective on living with cancer. His words resonated throughout the room:
“The only thing certain about cancer, and life itself, is uncertainty. None of us know what’s around the corner. But by accepting, I’m able to stop worrying about dying from cancer and, instead, make the most of living the new lease on life it’s giving me.”
Next, Dr Alex Loftus, a postdoctoral scientist at The University of Edinburgh, reminded us exactly what we’re supporting. His insights into Scotland-based breakthroughs brought the mission vividly to life:
– Edinburgh leads the UK’s only research group focused on a rare form of ovarian cancer.
– In Dundee, researchers are developing next-gen treatments that target tumours while sparing patients the harsh effects of chemotherapy.
– In Strathclyde, vaccine innovation has eliminated diagnoses of certain ovarian cancers altogether.
These aren’t distant developments – they’re real-world breakthroughs, happening on our doorstep and powered by nights like this.
Moments That Mattered
The evening wasn’t all science and solemnity. Host Grant Stott brought his trademark wit and charm, keeping the room buzzing and the bids rising through every auction lot – from a signed skinsuit by Sir Chris Hoy to an exclusive Diana Ross getaway.
But the showstopper? A generous donation from Pizza Geeks – an office takeover including a year’s supply of pizza – which raised an astonishing £6,000. Proof, if ever it were needed, that Edinburgh’s business community takes charity – and pizza – seriously.
Together, We Make the Difference
1 in 2 of us will face cancer in our lifetime. Even if you’re not directly affected, someone you love likely will be. That’s why events like BBCE matter. They don’t just raise funds – they raise hope. They remind us that change is possible, but only if we stand together.
At ABC, we’re always ready to play our part. Because we believe creativity isn’t just about making things look good – it’s about helping good things happen. Our work with BBCE is a proud example of that purpose in action.
So what’s next?
Join us on 29th of August for the 7 Hills of Edinburgh. It’s a chance to reconnect, rack up some serious steps, and raise support for those climbing their own uphill battles with cancer, sign up here.
To everyone who donated, supported, and showed up: thank you. Here’s to reaching even greater heights next year.
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