Cancer Research and Genetics UK

Cancer Research and Genetics UK is a registered nonprofit charitable organization in the United Kingdom, dedicated to supporting cancer research and raising awareness of the genetic factors linked to cancer. It operates under charity number 1121512.

History and Background

The charity was founded by patients and individuals personally affected by cancer, driven by a desire to improve awareness of genetic predispositions to cancer. The founders and current management are volunteers who themselves have experienced cancer or its impact within their families. The organization campaigns nationally for enhanced early screening, better cancer care, and more comprehensive genetic understanding in the UK.

Mission and Activities

Cancer Research and Genetics UK focuses on providing direct funding to cancer research projects, particularly those investigating the genetic links of cancer. It supports the purchase of specialized cancer research equipment at major UK research institutes and universities, including locations in London, Cardiff, Liverpool, and Manchester.

Beyond funding, the charity also supports cancer patients by offering respite and convalescence, as well as advice on therapies to aid recovery from cancer treatments. It promotes education and information dissemination about cancer research and genetics.

The charity maintains a close working relationship with commercial partners to maximize fundraising efforts while keeping operating costs low, as it is entirely volunteer-driven.

Research Support and Collaborations

Key collaborations include a longstanding partnership with Recycle Proline Ltd, a Liverpool-based company which has been a major financial supporter of the charity. Cancer Research and Genetics UK has funded various projects, such as:

• Lung cancer research equipment purchased for Professor John Fields at Liverpool University.
• Ongoing support for Professor Alan Clarke’s European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute (ECSCRI) at Cardiff University.
• Financial support for Professor Julian Sampson’s cancer genetic research at Cardiff University.
• Donations enabling acquisition of ultra-low temperature freezers for tissue sample storage at Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, supporting Dr Maria Maguire’s molecular cancer research.
• Funding Professor Andrew Sewell’s research on T-cell antigens and their receptors at Cardiff University.
• Contributions to the Manchester Cancer Research Centre, affiliated with the Christie NHS Foundation Trust, the largest cancer hospital in Europe.

Governance and Finances

Cancer Research and Genetics UK is governed by a board of five trustees and supported by volunteers. The charity does not pay its trustees and keeps administrative costs minimal.

For the financial year ending November 7, 2024, the charity reported an income of approximately £94,739 and spent £60,000 towards its charitable activities, primarily research funding and patient support.

Affiliations

The charity is a member of the European Cancer Patient Coalition, aligning its efforts with broader European initiatives to support cancer patients and research.

Cancer Research and Genetics UK exemplifies a patient-driven charitable model, focusing on empowering cancer research through direct funding of genetic studies and patient support programs within the United Kingdom. It remains committed to improving outcomes through enhanced understanding of cancer genetics and better clinical care.

[1] https://www.cancerresearchgenetics.co.uk [2] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/4034748 [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/4034748/trustees [4] https://www.fundraisingregulator.org.uk/directory/cancer-research-and-genetics-uk [5] https://www.clothes2collect.co.uk/why-choose-us