This year, the Aspire Awards is raising money to support groundbreaking research into extremely rare bone cancer adamantinoma, in memory of Aspire feature writer Katie Byng-Hall's cousin Liz Clarke-Saul who died in 2020 when she was just 31.

Liz was first diagnosed with adamantinoma when she was a teenager, and had her leg amputated when she was only 14. But she didn't let it stop her. She lived life to the fullest, and became a Team GB Paracyclist, competing and winning medals for her country across the world.

In 2018, while planning her wedding and gearing up to the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, Liz's cancer relapsed and she was given a terminal prognosis. Before she died during the pandemic, Liz set up this fund to find the effective treatment she never got the chance to receive.

Since then, the fund has raised almost £120,000, kickstarting two pioneering research programmes investigating the cancer which sadly took Liz's life. Every donation is a step closer to life-saving adamantinoma treatment.

Byng-Hall said: “My family was devastated when Liz died during the pandemic, not long after getting married and with great sporting hopes on the horizon, but her positive outlook has stayed with us. She was so dedicated to raising money for others even as she faced her terminal prognosis, and we’re passionate about continuing her legacy.

“We’re so proud that Liz’s memory will be recognised on this prestigious stage, and I’m excited for the whole luxury travel industry to hear her story.”

Agents, operators and suppliers from across the UK's dazzling luxury travel trade are supporting the fight against this cruel disease - we thank you for all your generous donations.