Trustees and friends of the Cancer Care and Haematology Fund (CCHF) came together this week to celebrate the fundraising success of one of Aylesbury Vale's favourite entertainers.
Late last year Elvis Presley Tribute Artist Alvin Printwhistle saw his total amount raised for CCHF top £100,000!
On Monday a dinner was held at the Jolly Cricketers, Seer Green, to mark this huge achievement.
Alvin, who is a CCHF Ambassador, has been a huge supporter of the charity for more than 20 years. In 2015 Alvin was himself diagnosed with lymphoma – a type of cancer that develops in the lymphatic system – and he required treatment at the Cancer Care and Haematology Unit (CCHU) at Stoke Mandeville Hospital – the very place he was raising money to support! With excellent treatment Alvin is now in full remission.
Alvin as Elvis
While hardly needing a better reason to raise funds for cancer support in the county, Alvin says: “My life was saved by the wonderful staff at Stoke Mandeville Hospital. It’s a great motivator to have your life back!”
Alvin has been strongly supported by his wife Yvonne, who not only organises and supports her husband's charitable efforts, but also raises money in her own right – not just for CCHF but also for other local charities. They're a redoubtable team!
So is Alvin thinking of slowing down? “I was never one to give into the illness during my treatment. I have, however, cut back on the client event side of my business. Performing is always a delight, but I don’t push myself as hard as I did. I’m lucky that I can pick and choose a little.” And he has a clear view about his loyal “Elvis” fans: “They have all been amazing. They offer support without question.”
Did he ever think that he might fail to reach the £100,000 target: “We never thought about targets, we just wanted to give something in support.”
The real Elvis at the start of his career
And what of the future for fundraising for CCHF – another goal perhaps? “We will certainly continue to fundraise, but as mentioned, I have never set a target. I believe that by doing so it’s easy to put yourself under pressure to achieve.
“The money raised is of course very important, but it’s also about raising the awareness: how the fund operates, where the money goes etc, how amazing the staff are at the hospital, and how that sometimes, like myself, even though it can be a tough journey, there are those who survive the awful disease,” Alvin explained.
Nicola Gilham, Chair of Trustees at CCHF, said: “We so appreciate all the continuing support of Alvin and Yvonne for our charity - the monies that they have raised over the last 10 years allow us to fund many additional comforts and support for patients receiving treatment and care via the Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust. Their energy and enthusiasm for fundraising is unstoppable - but we also enjoy supporting their annual gala dinner, when Elvis often makes a glittering appearance. Thank you, wholeheartedly Alvin and Yvonne for your support!”
CCHF works across Buckinghamshire supporting those who are being treated for cancer and haematology illnesses by Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, particularly at CCHU, Stoke Mandeville, and the similar Sunrise Unit, at Wycombe Hospital.
You can find more about Alvin at his Alvin: The Ultimate Elvis Tribute website.
Our main picture shows CCHF Chair Nicola Gilham (4th from left) receiving the cheque that pushed the sum raised by Alvin and Yvonne (6th and 5th from left) to over £100,000.
14 April 2026
