A history of progress
Cancer Research UK has a history of striving to improve the lives of those diagnosed with cancer. Today, 1 in 2 people in the UK survive their cancer for at least 10 years and there is a real drive to understand the disease further.
Founded more than 120 years ago, Cancer Research UK has contributed significantly to the progress that has helped double cancer survival rates in the UK. Their vital work included development of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. These advances highlight the importance of supporting scientists and researchers. By leaving a gift in your Will to Cancer Research UK, you will assist the charity to make long-term investments into research and enable this vital work to continue into the future.
A third of Cancer Research UK’s research is funded by gifts in Wills, and this work simply wouldn’t be possible without pledges from people like you.
The impact of research: Paul’s story
Paul was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia in 2007 at the age of 34. He’s just marked 15 years since his diagnosis and is celebrating the fact that his check-ups are every three months now, instead of every month.
Paul was on holiday in the US with his fiancée Emma when he was diagnosed. “I’d had a cough and blurred vision, but it wasn’t until my eyesight deteriorated dramatically that I was given an MRI scan and received the devastating news that I had cancer,” he explained. “I was immediately prescribed a drug called Glivec and continued to take this for a further 22 months.”
“Emma and I married in May 2008, five months after my diagnosis and we now run our own fire safety business. As a former firefighter, it came as a shock to me when my own life needed saving. I am both humbled and eternally grateful to Cancer Research UK and their supporters.”
Scientists funded by Cancer Research UK carried out the early genetics work that underpinned the development of Glivec, which is an effective treatment not just against leukaemia, but also against certain rare stomach cancers as well. “Emma and I now have a lovely boy called Freddie, who is nine and keeps us living life to the full.” And Paul is proud to be able to leave a charitable legacy gift to Cancer Research UK so that more cases like his have a positive outcome.
“You don’t get a chance to say thank you in person to a scientist who played a part in saving your life! Leaving a legacy gift in your Will not only says thank you but may also improve the chances of future generations.”
“Without the work of Cancer Research UK, my life may have not only been so much harder but inevitably so much shorter; that’s why I am saying thank you with a gift in my Will.”
The future’s in your hands
1 in 2 people in the UK born after 1960 will develop cancer in their lifetime, but continued research into early detection can help more people beat the disease. For example, a legacy of £6,000 could fund a research group for a day at the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, where researchers are currently focused on improving the diagnosis and treatment of several cancer types, including blood cancer.
Cancer Research UK has made huge strides over the past 120 years, but with the support of gifts in Wills, it will be able to continue delivering on its aim to make new discoveries, drive scientific progress and bring new hope.
How you can help
If you’d like more information on how you can pledge a gift in your Will, and continue to support this important work, click the link below.
This content is sponsored by Cancer Research UK
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Tags: Cancer Research UK Last modified: March 6, 2023
