Join us for an unforgettable evening of elegance, reflection and celebration as we mark 30 years of the African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust (ACLT) at the Gift of Life Gala on Saturday, 3rd October 2026.
This special milestone honours the remarkable journey that began with Daniel De-Gale, whose determination and courage sparked a movement that has transformed countless lives. Over the past three decades, ACLT has worked tirelessly to increase stem cell, blood and organ donor registrations within African and Caribbean communities, giving hope to patients and families who need it most.
Guests will enjoy a sophisticated evening reception and an exquisite three-course dinner, alongside inspiring stories, meaningful tributes, memorable entertainment and special moments that honour the past while looking ahead to the future.
Pre-sale tickets go on sale Monday 23rd of March at 6pm, at a price of £195 + booking fee. there are limited tickets at this price so get them before they sell out!
Entertainment on the night
Keep an eye on this page and our social media to see when we announce acts and entertainment that will be joining us to celebrate our 30th year Gift of Life Gala.
Do you want to have the chance of winning a ticket to the gala?
Head over to our Instagram and join our channel to get updates about the event, including our competition and guest announcements!
The Power Of One...
At the heart of ACLT’s story is the powerful journey of Daniel De-Gale, a reminder of how one life, one decision, and one act of kindness can change everything.
In 1993, Daniel was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. After a long and difficult battle, his family received the news they had hoped for in March 1995, Daniel was leukaemia-free and could finally return to a normal life. But just nine months later, the cancer returned.
Doctors told his parents, Beverley De-Gale OBE and Orin Lewis OBE, that Daniel’s best chance of survival was a stem cell transplant from an unrelated donor. Faced with the reality that there were very few registered donors from African and Caribbean backgrounds, they made a life-changing decision. In 1996, they founded the African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust (ACLT), launching a national campaign to find a match for their son.
Daniel endured two relapses as the search continued. Then, in 1999, one person changed everything.
In Detroit, Michigan, a woman named Doreene Carney attended a presentation at her workplace, the US Postal Service. Inspired in that moment, she made a simple but extraordinary choice, to join the donor register. That single decision would go on to save a life.
On 16 June 1999, Daniel received Doreene’s donated stem cells, becoming the first Black individual in the UK to receive a lifesaving transplant from an unrelated donor. Six months later, he returned to school. He was just 12 years old.
Daniel’s story is the embodiment of The Power of One. One donor. One decision. One life saved. And one movement that has gone on to impact thousands more.
