Our annual fundraiser music festival Catfest (https://www.catfestevent.com/ ) has proved  a huge success over the past few years, and I am proud to say that it has become one of the premier social events in the property industry calendar.

Last year’s Catfest raised £52,607 for Action Against Cancer in a single day and the aim is to beat that total this year.

My  wife Cat has been fighting the disease for almost ten years.

Catfest can only happen through the financial contributions of sponsors and supporters including Kerfuffle, Rightmove, Evolve Partnership, The Depositary and Rummage 4,  plus  estate agents like Elevation Milton Keynes, Manning Stainton, Goadsbys, Anthony Pepe, Housesimple, Hodders, Grosvenor Billinghurst, Hilbery Chaplin, Jones Robinson, Rush Witt & Wilson, Henderson Connellan, and Nock Deighton.

A fundraising idea that will form part of Catfest’s income in 2020 is “100 Hitmakers Against Cancer” – a unique project that involves getting a series of guitars, that have been donated by well-wishers, signed by the great and the good of the music industry.

I have already secured the signatures of over 70 stars including Brian May, Mark Knopfler, Jools Holland, Stereophonics, Craig David, Gary Numan, Midge Ure, Lulu and Ronan Keating. More info can be found here https://www.facebook.com/100-Hitmakers- Against-Cancer-103162297810205/

I drive the guitar to wherever convenient for the signatory and a number of them have been keen to sit and chat about his project and the charity – in some cases for an hour or more.

It’s hard work and lots of driving but great to meet some fabulous music stars and I even occasionally get put onto the guest list for their next gig!

“100 Hitmakers Against Cancer” will be brought to an end when the target is reached – Catfest 2020 is not until August 22 so there is plenty of time to get to the magic number.

Action Against Cancer funds the development of cures for cancer at leading institutions such as Imperial College London and the University of Sussex. The cutting edge programmes that they fund focus on developing new diagnostics and treatments, to improve the survival prospects and quality of life for millions of cancer sufferers worldwide.

Cat herself explains: “As cancer patients, we all need hope. Research for cures or better treatment gives us that hope. We are therefore proud to support Action Against Cancer.”

If you would like to help Catfest by becoming a sponsor or supporter or if you can connect with any renowned musician who would be prepared to sign a guitar, I can be reached at julianodell@live.co.uk or on 07718 634235.

• Julian O’Dell is a consultant and trainer in the industry