Sirius Buying Group, one of the UK’s leading buying groups for the independent appliance and kitchen sector, is preparing to raise funds for its 2026 charity partner, OCHRE, at its charity auction.
Taking place during the Gala Dinner at Sirius’ 25th Anniversary Trade Show on 16 September 2026 at Arena MK, Milton Keynes, the auction will see Approved Suppliers donate a range of products and experiences for Members to bid on, with all proceeds going directly to OCHRE, the Oesophageal Cancer Charity.
The charity auction has become one of the highlights of the annual Gala Dinner, with Sirius Members and Approved Suppliers regularly getting behind the Group’s fundraising efforts. With this year’s event also celebrating Sirius’ 25th anniversary, the Group hopes to make the auction one of its biggest yet.
Sirius’ support for OCHRE has taken on particular significance this year following the recent diagnosis of long-standing Member John Wardman, of Domestic Supplies in Mansfield. Mr Wardman was diagnosed with early-stage oesophageal cancer arising from Barrett’s oesophagus and has recently undergone chemotherapy.
His decision to seek medical advice about his symptoms, rather than continuing to manage them with over-the-counter medication, ultimately led to an early diagnosis. His experience has resonated across the Sirius network and brought renewed purpose to the Group’s fundraising efforts.
OCHRE works to raise awareness of the symptoms of oesophageal cancer, while supporting patients and their families and funding research into earlier diagnosis and improved treatments.
Mark Veysey, Operations Director at Sirius Buying Group, said: “We’re really looking forward to this year’s auction. Every year our Approved Suppliers come forward with brilliant items, and every year our Members make sure those donations get the bids they deserve. With John’s story front of mind for so many of us, we know our Members and Suppliers will be every bit as generous as they always are. It’s set to be a special night at what is already a landmark Trade Show for us.”
With just a month to go until the 25th Anniversary Trade Show, Sirius looks forward to welcoming Members and Approved Suppliers attending the Gala Dinner with their auction donations – and invites everyone else to show their support ahead of the event via the Sirius and OCHRE JustGiving page.
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