October 15, 2026

The Power of One Gift of Life Gala: Celebrating 30 Years of Lifesaving Action

“To me, ACLT represents hope, selflessness and the power that one person can have in changing another person’s life.”

Charlotte Vassell, Stem Cell Donor

On 3 October 2026, the African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust (ACLT) celebrated 30 years of life-changing work, inspired by the story of one person: Daniel De-Gale, the power of one. Held at the InterContinental London Park Lane, the evening brought together corporate partners, sponsors, patients, community leaders, supporters and advocates to celebrate three decades of raising awareness, recruiting donors and helping save lives. It was also a powerful reminder of why ACLT’s mission remains as important today as it was when the charity began.

Guests were welcomed with a drinks reception before enjoying an exquisite three-course dinner, inspiring speeches, heartfelt tributes and memorable entertainment, honouring ACLT’s legacy while looking ahead to the future.

A Performance That Made The Room Stand Still

At the heart of the Gala were the stories of people whose lives have been affected by blood cancers and disorders, alongside those working tirelessly to improve outcomes for patients.

One of the evening’s most poignant moments came when Zara Williams (Antonia) took to the stage to pay tribute to her late father, David Anthony Williams, affectionately known as Tony, who sadly passed away following a diagnosis of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Tony was a devoted husband and loving, present father who continued to face life with positivity, even after learning that his treatment had been unsuccessful. Through Zara’s words, the audience gained a glimpse of the strength, love and resilience that defined him.

As an award-winning pianist, composer and songwriter, Zara has performed at prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall and the Royal Albert Hall. Her performance at the Gala was particularly moving. By weaving recordings of her father’s voice messages into her live music, she created an intimate and deeply personal tribute that brought his memory to life in the room. The performance powerfully reminded us that the impact of blood cancer extends far beyond the patient. It touches families, changes lives, and leaves a lasting legacy long after a loved one has passed away.

When One Person Acts, Lives Can Be Changed

The Gala was not only a celebration, but also a call to action and a reminder that each of us has the power to make a difference.

Alongside the celebrations, we hosted a ‘What’s Your Blood Type?’ session in partnership with NHS Blood and Transplant, giving guests the opportunity to find out their blood type and book a blood donation appointment. The response was exceptional, with 106 new blood donors recruited, 100 of whom were from Black heritage backgrounds. This is an encouraging step towards addressing the ongoing need for greater diversity among blood donors.

As we reflect on The Power of One Gift of Life Gala, we are filled with gratitude for everyone who helped make the evening so special. To our sponsors, corporate partners, hosts, speakers, performers, guests and the wider community, thank you for standing alongside ACLT and helping us celebrate this important milestone.

We are especially grateful to the individuals and families who shared their stories with such honesty and generosity. Their experiences are a powerful reminder of why this work matters and strengthen our determination to continue raising awareness, growing donor registers and supporting people affected by blood disorders.