Dimbleby Cancer Care
The charity was set up in 1966 following the untimely death at 52, from cancer, of Richard Dimbleby, one of Britain’s finest ever broadcasters. Richard contracted cancer at a time when its mere mention was a taboo. His decision to go public did a huge amount to challenge and overcome that taboo. His death sparked a huge response and his widow, Dilys, asked that people should consider making a donation to help those living with cancer. The response was overwhelming and offered a chance to help many thousands living with the illness. Thus our charity was born. You can read more about the history here, or about our new strategy here.
Our website is designed to explain not simply what we do but, more importantly, why we do it and what difference it makes to the lives of people living with cancer. What do we do?
At Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospitals in London we fund centres offering information, psychological support, group support and complementary therapies.
Did you know less than 5% of cancer research funding is spent on research into care? Dimbleby Cancer Care spends up to £1m a year on care research, with a view to improving the lives of all people with cancer, and to understand and address the needs of those who care for them.
One of our first acts when the charity was first established was to endow a chair in cancer research. Today, Professor Tony Ng, who is the current Chair, leads a research team which is one of only ten in the world which is using advanced tissue imaging techniques to develop methods if instantly pinpointing the most effective drug treatments for each individual cancer patient.
About Richard Dimbleby
Known as the ‘Voice of the Nation’, Richard was a unique broadcaster. At a time when television was new and novel, he brought it alive for millions. His death of cancer at only 52 shocked millions and the response to it demonstrated the need for more to be done for those living with cancer.
Read about his life and work – and see the world famous "spaghetti tree hoax" that fooled millions.
Researching areas others don't
Only around 5% of cancer research spending in the UK is on care.
DCC provides up to £1m annually for research into cancer care & support.
Care centres that go beyond medical treatment
Over a quarter of people living with cancer receive no support other than treatment.
DCC's centres provide a range of care, comfort & support that goes beyond just treatment