An Evening of Purpose and Celebration: Yes to Life Gala 2025 Lights Up Kew Gardens

It was an evening to remember. Against the backdrop of the lush, glass-housed beauty of Kew Gardens, more than 150 guests gathered to mark 20 years of Yes to Life — the UK’s pioneering integrative cancer care charity — at a Gala filled with elegance, emotion, and extraordinary generosity.

Held in the Nash Conservatory and Orangery, the event was not just a celebration of the past, but a bold commitment to the future — raising crucial funds to continue supporting people with cancer through holistic, evidence-based approaches.

As the summer sun dipped low over the gardens, guests arrived in style, welcomed by the botanical scent of Bloom Gin (courtesy of Quintessential Brands).

The evening began with a beautifully curated drinks reception beneath the glass canopy of the Nash Conservatory, filled with laughter, reconnection, and quiet moments of reflection. From there, guests moved to the candlelit Orangery, transformed into a lush, intimate dining space.

Over a seasonal three-course meal, guests heard from Yes to Life Founder Robin Daly MBE, whose moving words reflected on the loss of his daughter Bryony and the birth of a mission that has since helped tens of thousands navigate cancer with dignity, agency, and hope.

A standout moment was the premiere of the Yes to Life Opening Film — a beautifully produced short that captured personal stories of those helped by the charity, testimonials from practitioners, and the vision of a more human, integrative approach to cancer care. The room fell still. Many eyes brimmed with tears. The applause that followed was heartfelt and thunderous.

Watch the film here:
Yes to Life Gala Opening Film

The Gala marked the first ever Yes to Life Awards, recognising exceptional individuals and organisations advancing the world of integrative cancer care. Each award was a reminder of what’s possible when compassion, science, and courage meet.

Winners included:

• Oncologist of the Year: For pioneering patient-centred integrative oncology

• Holistic Cancer Care Innovator: Recognising excellence

• Volunteer of the Year: Celebrating those who give selflessly behind the scenes

• Corporate Champion Award: Honouring a business that consistently supports our mission

• Lifetime Achievement Award: A moving tribute to a lifelong advocate for holistic cancer care

The full list of winners will be published soon at yestolife.org.uk/awards.

Live and Silent Auction

From laughter to bidding wars, the energy soared during the live and silent auctions, with prizes including:

• A luxury escape to the JOALI Maldives

• Dance shoes worn by Gene Kelly

• A Biwa pearl necklace by renowned designer Barbara Flynn

• Theatre nights, spa retreats, private dining experiences, and more

Together, our generous guests raised significant funds that will directly support Yes to Life’s helpline, Life Directory, wellbeing programs, and educational resources for people with cancer and their healthcare teams.

The night ended not with a farewell, but with a dance. The incredible band PL had guests of all ages on their feet, filling the Orangery with joy, rhythm, and the unmistakable feeling of a movement growing stronger.

This Gala was more than a party — it was a powerful reminder that when we come together, we can change lives. With your continued support, Yes to Life will keep:

• Answering the 3,000+ calls we receive annually on our  helpline

• Hosting wellbeing and peer-support sessions that offer comfort and connection

• Updating the Life Directory, used by over 50,000 people to access trusted complementary care

• Delivering resources and training for hundreds of health professionals embracing a broader model of care

To every guest, every donor, every volunteer, and all our incredible sponsors: thank you. You have made something remarkable possible. This was a celebration of life, of legacy, and of hope — and the best is yet to come.

Miquel Leon-Canete

CEO Yes to Life