Cancer Research UK (CRUK) has crossed the halfway point in its More Research, Less Cancer campaign which aims to raise £400m by targeting major donors and philanthropists.

The campaign launched in February last year and a year on has raised £229m.

Among wealthy individuals, trusts and foundations backing the campaign with “generous donations” are The Chris Banton Foundation, The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research,
Garfield Weston Foundation, Oak Foundation, The Kamini and Vindi Banga Family Trust, Dr Robert Easton and Gervase Forster.

“The campaign has also confirmed several high value legacy pledges from committed donors,” said the charity.

Oak Foundation has donated £8m, while Garfield Weston Foundation donated £10m.

The charity’s chief executive Michelle Mitchell said: “We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has donated to the campaign so far.

“Our philanthropic supporters share our vision of ensuring sustainable funding for world class cancer research and translating these discoveries into tests and treatments so that more people, now and in the future, have more precious time with their loved ones. We’re limited only by finance, not good ideas.

“We’ve now surpassed the halfway mark, but there’s still further to go. With the support of those with the vision and means we can go further, faster – more support means more research, and more research means less cancer.”

In addition, the charity has announced that former health secretary, Chancellor of the Exchequer and current Conservative MP Jeremy Hunt has become an ambassador for the campaign. His mother, father and brother died from cancer and he was diagnosed with skin cancer two years.

Its board will be led by entrepreneur Sherry Coutu.

She said “I’m incredibly proud to be co-chairing the More Research, Less Cancer campaign and supporting Cancer Research UK in raising £400m to help usher in golden age of cancer research.”

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