Cancer cure closer

Curing cancer has taken a major step forward after our campaign to raise £25m for the state-of-the-art Centre for Cancer Immunology reached its target, six months ahead of schedule.

Generous donations from alumni and supporters of the University have resulted in the campaign reaching the final target to fund the building, which is due to open in the spring.

The Centre for Cancer Immunology – the first of its kind in the UK – will facilitate ground-breaking research into immunotherapy, a treatment that encourages the body’s immune system to fight and eradicate cancer cells.

The Centre will continue pioneering research in the area, expanding its clinical trials and developing life-saving drugs. Constructing the building and equipping the state-of-the-art laboratories have been funded entirely by philanthropic support.

Professor Tim Elliott, Director of the Centre, said:

We are thrilled to have reached the £25m target for our new Centre for Cancer Immunology, and are eternally grateful to everyone who has contributed. The efforts that people have gone to have been truly inspiring; we cannot thank you enough.

“The University has made major advances in tumour immunology and immunotherapy research, and we strongly believe the new Centre will go a long way in discovering new treatments and helping more people.”

To mark World Cancer Day, the University held its second annual #WearingWhite event, and encouraged supporters to do the same. Students and staff wore white clothing and accessories, not only to raise awareness of the campaign by using the hashtag on social media, but also to draw attention to the significance of white blood cells: the cancer-fighting part of the immune system. Many used the event as an opportunity to remember a loved one too.

However, the day coincided with a surprise announcement from the campaign, revealing that, after less than three years, the £25m target had been reached – six months ahead of schedule. Any further donations received will now go towards supporting the talented researchers as they commence their life-changing work.

As the campaign closes, the Centre’s doors soon open, and Southampton Connects Alumni & Supporters will continue to follow its progress during the next few exciting months. In the meantime, you can find out more about the Centre for Cancer Immunology and how to get involved here.