Tony Bloom and LBC’s Nick Ferrari headline Camp Simcha’s first business dinner

Brighton & Hove Albion football club chair Tony Bloom and LBC’s Nick Ferrari took to the stage this Thursday as guest speakers at Camp Simcha’s inaugural business dinner.

The event at South Hampstead Synagogue attracted nearly 170 guests from the business world, raising £85,000 for the charity’s work supporting families with seriously ill children.

Welcoming guests, business committee chair Alex Littner said: “This dinner – and the series of events we hope to build from it – comes from one simple idea: bringing together business leaders who care. People who want to use their networks, influence and experience to make a real difference, because there is no more important cause than supporting children who are seriously ill and the families who stand beside them through unimaginably difficult times.”

Introducing Tony Bloom, Nick Ferrari referenced him as ‘a man who has had as many jobs as Boris Johnson, but the difference is, he’s been successful!”

Guests also heard from Camp Simcha alumni parent and business committee member Gilon Hirshler, who spoke about the vital support the charity gave his family after his then five-year-old son Joshua was diagnosed with Stage IV Medulloblastoma during Covid, requiring brain surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatment.

“From the minute we contacted Camp Simcha they were there to support us through the most incredibly difficult times,” said Gilon. “They became part of our family, stepping in and supporting us in so many ways. They also brought fun and laughter into our lives when there wasn’t much to smile about.

Commending the charity for supporting Joshua “every step of the way, giving him the confidence and self-esteem that had been taken away”, he added that “they did not forget our daughter Rebecca – they sent deliveries of food and games to keep her occupied. They arranged for a volunteer to be her Camp Simcha Big Sister. It provided Rebecca with an escape from the situation at home, and someone closer to her own age to talk to.

“Joshua has told us that the only good thing about him getting cancer is that he has been able to enjoy things with Camp Simcha. It is a unique charity that we are blessed with as a Jewish community.”