Friends of the Cancer Centre meets
King Charles III

On the evening of 30th April 2025 our chief executive, Ana Wilkinson, attended the reception which was held by Their Majesties The King and The Queen in recognition of, and to say thank you for, the support provided by cancer charities across the UK. Friends of the Cancer Centre was delighted to be invited to a recent celebration event at Buckingham Palace, alongside our friends at Cancer Fund for Children and the Foyle Hospice.

In a letter given to each of the attendees, The King said:

“Each diagnosis, each new case, will be a daunting and at times frightening experience for those individuals and their loved ones. But as one among those statistics myself, I can vouch for the fact that it can also be an experience that brings into sharp focus the very best of humanity.

“It has certainly given me an even deeper appreciation of the extraordinary work undertaken by the remarkable organisations and individuals gathered here this evening”.

His Majesty continues:

“The Queen and I have seen at first-hand how you not only fund vital research and deliver exceptional healthcare but also create spaces where patients and their families find sanctuary, understanding and practical assistance when they need it most.

“What strikes us repeatedly is the profound impact of human connection – whether in the careful explanation from a specialist nurse, the hand held by a hospice volunteer, or the shared experience in a support group. These moments of kinship create what I might call a “community of care”, one that sustains patients through the most difficult of times.

“So to all the researchers pursuing pioneering breakthroughs; to the healthcare professionals providing specialist treatment: to the volunteers offering comfort or campaigning to raise awareness: and to the fundraisers enabling all this vital work – you have my whole family’s deepest admiration and gratitude,”

Describing the event, Ana explained:

“As Friends of the Cancer Centre celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, it feels special to have recognition from The King and The Queen. His Majesty’s warmth and understanding in acknowledging the enormity of our work, alongside the importance of local community support so that we can continue to provide all of these vital services, really shone through.”