They Had A Whale Of A Time Recently, celebrities and well-wishers gathered at the popular and fashionable Le Raj restaurant in leafy Epsom to help well-known radio and media man James Whale to launch his charity - the James Whale fund for kidney cancer. Six months ago after James had recovered from his personal brush with the disease, he looked for something positive he could do by way of thanks. The answer from his consultant was 'make people aware - tell them how dangerous this is and how it can be successfully treated if caught early'. Kidney cancer is not that common and is the 13th commonest cancer diagnosed in the UK. In 2003, just under 6,700 people were diagnosed with kidney cancer in the UK. Nearly 2 out 3 people diagnosed (62%) are over 65 years old. Kidney cancer is rare in people under 50. Kidney cancer affects many more men than women. This could be because in the past more men smoked cigarettes. Smoking increases your risk of getting kidney cancer. These are the simple facts of the disease and it is James' intention to shine a light on the subject and help work towards a cure. He has already enlisted the support of a host of people and when top restaurateur and frequent charity supporter Enam Ali heard of his plans he immediately offered Le Raj as a venue for a high profile launch. The meal, which included marinated fillet of codfish, fillet of lamb in garam masala, that old favourite tikka masala and florets of broccoli, organic pumpkin and lentils in a medium sauce, was enthusiastically enjoyed by personalities such as the leader of UKIP, Sky News presenter Eammon Holmes, publicist Max Clifford and ex model Alex Best. Host Enam Ali, traditionally attired, handled the evening with consumate ease and his Le Raj Nan was so wonderfully unlike one's traditional perception of naan bread that it should be re-named 'Enan bread'. James and his team have taken on a big task but if this was an example of the support they will get then success seems very likely. Other events are planned for later in the year and you can keep up to date or donate to the cause at www.jameswhalefund.org