Hellomynameis Charity Lunch & Business Showcase

Name: Hellomynameis Charity Lunch & Business Showcase
Start: 2025-10-03T10:00:00+01:00
End: 2025-10-03T16:30:00+01:00
Location: The Old Swan Hotel Harrogate

Schedule

Fri Oct 03 2025 at 10:00 am to 04:30 pm

UTC+01:00

Location

The Old Swan Hotel Harrogate | Harrogate, EN

Join us for an unforgettable day of connection, inspiration and community at the inaugural Hellomynameis Charity Lunch and Business Showcase, proudly supporting Leeds Hospitals Charity. This is a day of recognition and celebration.
We’re inviting you to be part of something special. Whether you’ve made an impact in your community, built a remarkable career against the odds, or want to nominate a young person who deserves their moment in the spotlight, this is your opportunity. There are just ten speaker slots available, with each person sharing their story in under five minutes. It’s a chance to inspire and be inspired.
We’ll begin and end the day with a vibrant business showcase, giving exhibitors the chance to promote their work, products and services. Whether you’re a business owner, creative, charity or organisation, this is a brilliant way to connect, collaborate and celebrate.
We’re honoured to welcome Chris Pointon as keynote speaker to launch the event. Chris is the widower of Dr Kate Granger MBE, a remarkable doctor and patient who co-founded the global hellomynameis campaign. After being diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2011 at the age of 29, Kate used her voice to champion more compassionate care. In 2013, alongside Chris, she launched the campaign to encourage healthcare professionals to introduce themselves to patients and truly connect.
Kate passed away in 2016 at just 34, but her legacy lives on. The campaign has since raised over £540,000 for Leeds Hospitals Charity and St Gemma’s Hospice. Chris continues to travel the world sharing Kate’s story and promoting kindness and compassion in healthcare.
Share your story – starting with Hello, my name is…
This is your moment to be heard. Whether you’ve made a difference, achieved something extraordinary, overcome adversity, or know a young person whose story deserves recognition, we want to hear from you.
Ten speakers will be chosen to share their story during the lunch. You’ll have five minutes to speak and begin with the words: Hello, my name is… You don’t need to be a professional speaker – just someone with something meaningful to share.
Speakers will be selected by a panel of Yorkshire Ladies Links contributors. If you’re not chosen this time, there will be more opportunities to speak at future events.
Apply via the contact form on our website yorkshireladieslinks.co.uk
Hosted by Christa Ackroyd:
We’re delighted to have Christa Ackroyd leading us through the day. A familiar face across Yorkshire and a respected journalist and broadcaster, Christa brings warmth and experience to every event. She’ll guide our speakers, ask thoughtful questions and help create a welcoming atmosphere throughout the day.
Christa has interviewed world leaders and royalty, but her real passion lies in telling the stories of everyday people doing extraordinary things – which makes her the perfect host for this celebration.
This event is held in support of Leeds Hospitals Charity, which has supported Leeds Teaching Hospitals for nearly a decade.
The charity funds a wide range of life-changing projects that make difficult moments a little easier for patients and families. From free wigs for cancer patients and comfort packs for grieving families, to parent support trolleys on children’s wards and emergency grants for those facing financial hardship during illness, their work offers both practical help and emotional support.
They have also contributed to the creation of the Rob Burrow Centre for MND, a £6.8 million project for Motor Neurone Disease patients and their families at Seacroft Hospital. The Burrow family has been instrumental in raising awareness and funding for this important initiative, helping bring this much-needed centre to life.
Here’s how to get involved:
– Apply to share your story
– Book an exhibitor stand to showcase your work (includes lunch)
– Buy a ticket and bring friends, family or colleagues
– Sponsor a table
– Headline Sponsor - From your Headline Sponsorship, we will donate a £1,000 donation to Leeds Hospitals Charity, helping make a real difference.
– Spread the word and help us build this incredible community
Whether you’re sharing your journey or simply showing up to support others, this is a day to connect, reflect and celebrate.
We can’t wait to welcome you – and hear the powerful stories that begin with:
Hello, my name is…