Marking 60 years of cancer support

06 October 2026 — deploy-administration-account

Two weeks ago David and Jonathan Dimbleby hosted a reception to mark the 60th anniversary of The Richard Dimbleby Cancer Fund in the wonderful setting of the Governors Hall at St Thomas’ Hospital. The hospital has a special association for the charity as it was where broadcaster Richard Dimbleby was treated for cancer before his death at the age of 52 in 1965.

We were joined by over 100 guests, many of who have played a vital part in the history of the charity over the last 60 years, and were treated to music from Maia Roberts and Emily Hopper from The Musicians Company.

Speakers including David and Jonathan, Professor Amanda Ramirez, RDCF Directors Robin Pritchard and Paula Hargadon, and Trustee Professor Arnie Purushotham spoke about the charity’s pioneering work from the origins of the charity in the 1960s right up to the establishment of Cancer Care Map today, and future plans to continue expanding so that every person affected by cancer is able to get the support they need.

We also heard from Caroline Shelver and her daughter Isla who was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 15. Now 17, Isla spoke incredibly powerfully about the importance of finding support and knowing that you are not alone. Caroline reiterated the role that Cancer Care Map has played in them being able to find help and support for their family throughout Isla’s ongoing treatment.

Guests included senior figures from the NHS including Amanda Pritchard, Peter Johnson and Sir Mike Richards and partner charities including Richard Simcock from Macmillan Cancer Support and Laura Lee from Maggie’s, members of the Dimbleby family, as well as many familiar faces who have worked for, supported or been helped by the charity over the last six decades.

We were also delighted to be joined by Dame Joanna Lumley who has been a friend of the charity for many years.

In his final thank you to guests, Jonathan Dimbleby announced that he would be stepping down as Chair later in the year, but was very pleased that Professor Arnie Purushotham, who has played an important role in the charity over recent years, would be leading the charity forward into the next chapter.

Following the event Jonathan appeared on Sky Breakfast the next morning to talk more about the work of the charity – watch here