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Yarnfield Park a host of the Cancer research “Race for Life” conference

Cancer Research UK are the leaders in finding new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer and Race for Life raises money for research into 200 types of cancer.

Yarnfield Park, part of The Venues Collection, is proud to have hosted Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life Training day recently during which time we spoke to Ali Cleveland, their Senior National Events Manager, about her, the Charity and our Venue.

How long have you been with Cancer Research UK?

I’ve worked for Cancer Research UK for 21 years as Senior National Events Manager. The team I work with are like-minded people and we all believe in giving the best service and level of care possible.

What’s your training days about and what is its importance for the team?

We organise over 400 events in the UK every year, most of which are Race for Life events.

Our Training days gives us the opportunity to train our team on how to organise the detail and complexities of the events themselves. Also to show our team what’s required on event day and ways in which they can bring the cause to life on the day.

Our events need to raise over £38 million annually to fund scientists’ research. Ensuring the training is done correctly is critical in helping us deliver great events and to raise the funds required.

Can you share with us which was your favourite event you organised for the Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life and why?

I have organised many events over the last 21 years and although I don’t have a favourite I still love working on event day and love talking to our fantastic supporters and reading their ‘back-signs’ – these always bring tears to my eyes

How did you come across Yarnfield Park and what made you choose us as your venue?

When running training events like these it’s always important to have the right environment for attendees. As Yarnfield Park is a purpose built conference centre it fits the purpose of our events perfectly in helping maintain our attendees focus during the event. 

The location is also ideal for us as a nationwide Charity – it’s easily accessible just off the M6 and great for rail links. Also, being equidistant from Manchester, East Midlands and Birmingham airports is ideal.

What did you enjoy the most in our venue?

What do we enjoy most? Well…. the service-level and friendliness of the staff has to be up there as nothing is ever too much trouble. However with every event we’ve had everyone comments on the standard of food. Not only does the food taste amazing but there’s always a lot of choice and you catering for all allergies. Guests and I roll out of the conference centre after each event!

Would you recommend the venue and most importantly would you come back?

We’ve returned to Yarnfield Park for four years now, not only for this training event but also a number of others.  The team at Yarnfield are amazing in accommodating our needs – from the first point of contact right through to the event on the day when nothing’s ever too much to ask for.

The venue knows just what we need to ensure the event goes as successfully as hoped. When planning the events, the venue and staff are always two steps ahead. Also the lovely atmosphere with staff makes it feel like home.

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