The Scots founder of a cancer research charity is being remembered forty years on from its launch.
Dr Colin Thomson, a lecturer in theoretical chemistry, founded Worldwide Cancer Research in St Andrews, Scotland back in 1979.
The trailblazing professor dedicated his life to cancer research, tragically dying of the disease himself in 1997.
To mark the anniversary, an event at an upcoming cancer conference in Glasgow will be dedicated to him.
The Colin Thomson Memorial Lecture, which will be given by Columbia Professor Carol Prives, will take place at the annual Beatson International Cancer Conference on 30th June.
Since being established, Worldwide Cancer Research has funded 1,128 scientists and kickstarted 1,888 discoveries. Thanks to research like this, twice as many people now survive cancer after diagnosis than they did four decades ago.
With one in two people in the UK now being diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lifetime, the charity says that the need for bold new cancer research is as high as ever.
To mark its 40th birthday, they are sponsoring the Colin Thomson Memorial Lecture and asking supporters for an extra £20.19 in 2019, to help develop new cancer therapies that will offer better and more advanced treatment options.
Dr Helen Rippon, the charity’s CEO said: “Colin’s passion remains at the heart of everything we do. If we don’t continue to take chances and invest in cutting-edge, bold research ideas today, we risk losing the cures of tomorrow.
“Colin would say that the biggest risk when it comes to research is not taking one, and that is why events like the Beatson International Cancer Conference, which brings together the world’s leading cancer research scientists, are so important – and why we are proud to support it during our birthday year.”
Worldwide Cancer Research’s 40th year big impact appeal has raised over £24, 000 so far.
You can donate £20.19 to the charity by calling 0300 777 7910 or online at worldwidecancerresearch.org/donate
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