The Institute of Cancer Research employs over 800 scientists and researchers and in partnership with the Royal Marsden NHS Trust forms Europe’s largest cancer research, treatment and training centre.

The joint research strategy and day-to-day interaction between researchers and clinicians ensures that discoveries made in the Institute’s laboratories are swiftly translated into treatment and care.

The Institute’s integrated work in genetics, molecular biology, epidemiology and drug development is unrivalled, building on a century of peerless contribution to cancer research. The potential for real progress in developing effective treatments for cancer is unprecedented.

92% of the Institute’s total income goes directly into research. This places the Institute among the most cost-effective cancer research organisations in the world.

www.icr.ac.uk

Merlin exists to provide immediate, effective response to medical emergencies throughout the world, including the terrible Asian tsunami disaster. Regardless of politics, religion or race, Merlin brings rapid aid to vulnerable people affected by war and natural disaster. Through training, capacity building and collaboration with local providers, Merlin makes lasting improvements to health services. 

In the last two years, Merlin has trained over 3,000 local health professionals, supported over 500 local health facilities and immunised around half a million children. Over one million people benefit directly from Merlin programmes around the world each month.

Merlin is currently operating in Afghanistan, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Georgia, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Liberia, Occupied Palestinian Territories, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Russia and Tajikistan.

www.merlin.org.uk 

On 12th October, 2002 Daniel Braden, son of yachtbroker Alex Braden, was killed in the Bali bombing. Encompass was formed in his name to “fight terrorism peacefully” by promoting understanding and tolerance between young people of different backgrounds, faiths and cultures.

Encompass works in collaboration with the Tall Ships Youth Trust and Jubilee Sailing Trust, both well established charities, with over 70 years of tall ship operating experience between them. Diverse participants from all over the world take part in adventure programmes in a challenging environment where teamwork is essential. It is hoped that they return home and share with their families and communities the lessons and benefits of this experience.

www.encompasstrust.org

The Winchester Medical Foundation’s Magpie Cancer Centre Campaign has made it its mission to raise £2.5 million to buy extra equipment and to fund facilities facilities which will provide an exceptional cancer treatment and care service at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester.

The new centre, which will occupy the ground floor of a new four-storey building, will make an enormous difference to people’s lives – a place where people diagnosed with cancer will benefit from the finest treatment and care available and where they, their families, friends and carers will receive positive practical support every step of the way, balancing the traditional approaches to cancer treatment with a range of therapies and individual support.