Cancer Research UK raised £540m over the last financial year, representing a two per cent increase over the previous financial year, making it one of the most successful fundraising years to date. The increase in funds raised was in large part the result of more money that flowed from legacy donations. Race for Life and Stand Up To Cancer also both raised more money than they did in 2018. There was an additional £2 million raised through Facebook charitable giving which is a brand-new innovation in fundraising that was rolled out at the end of the year.
More money raised than ever before in its history
Cancer Research UK’s total income for the year rose by 6 per cent over the previous year to £672 million, a figure which includes the fundraising income plus £125 million raised from charitable activities. This is the largest amount of money ever raised by Cancer Research UK and the charity will use the money to reinvest in research. Thanks to the strong fund-raising performance more money was available to fund research at any other time in Cancer Research UK’s history. Over the course of the financial year the charity spent £546 million on cancer research.
Continuing investments
Cancer Research continues to make investment in four key areas, prevention, early detection and diagnosis, developing new treatments and making existing treatments more effective. Cancer Research UK CEO Michelle Mitchell says at the population of the UK ages, cancer will cast a shadow over more people than ever before. She adds that it has never been more urgent for research to be translated into tangible benefits for people suffering with cancer. In order to achieve that all organisations must work together across the UK and globally and ensure every penny is spent wisely.
Key achievements
Cancer Research UK’s key achievements over the last financial year include securing a strong commitment towards early cancer diagnosis as part of NHS Long Term Plan. Funding three new international teams for the next five years to solve long standing cancer research mysteries. The charity also launched the Cancer Research UK City of London Centre and a new Brain Tumour Award funding scheme. For every Pound donated, investment income and royalties earned, 82 pence was made available to beat cancer.
