Motivated by the need to change cancer care
Dimbleby Cancer Care History
Our history is very important to us and to those who support us. Richard Dimbleby's legacy is the heart of our reason for being and has been the motivation for all we've done.
1965-67
In 1965 Richard Dimbleby dies of cancer having taken the courageous decision to go public about his diagnosis. As a result of his death, thousands of donations of all sizes are received and a fund is established in his memory to help offer care, comfort and support to those living with this illness.
1967 the Richard Dimbleby Fellow in Cancer Research is appointed at King’s College London. The Fellowship was upgraded to a Chair which is currently held by Prof Tony Ng. You can HEAR about his work here.
1968
1968 HM The Queen opens the Richard Dimbleby Research Laboratory.
The charity begins to offer front line support, initially at St Thomas’ Hospital where Richard had been treated, and subsequently at Guy’s Hospital. The Centre initially offers a more pleasant and private waiting area for those awaiting cancer treatment, but gradually grows to offer a day centre, psychological support, information services and complementary therapy. You can read about the services and the difference they make to cancer patients here.
2005
Partly as a result of the National Cancer Action Plans and the work of the National Cancer Research Institute, it is becoming obvious that while research into the causes and treatment of cancer is increasingly well funded, research into cancer care lags far behind. Less that 5% of all cancer research investment goes into how best to care for those living with the illness and less that 0.18% is spent on palliative and end of life care.
In 2005 Dimbleby Cancer Care decides to invest in these areas of research by launching a £1m fund, chaired by Jonathan Dimbleby and supported by an Advisory Board of leading experts.
2008
Research Fund is increased to £1m a year, making DCC one of the largest charitable funders of care research in the UK.
A new centre at St Thomas' Hospital opens, offering improved facilities. The centres at Guy’s and St Thomas’ receive an 80% rise in their grants to allow for more staff and improved services.
New Dimbleby Research Laboratory opens with funding for a new Fellowship.
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
Dimbleby Cancer Care has a small number of staff, therefore our ability to answer detailed questions on cancer care, symptoms or treatments is limited. However we are pleased to try and help you, by directing you to others who may be able to help.