About Us

Our history

Leukaemia UK was founded in 1977 by Derek Mitchell after his wife Isobel was treated for leukaemia at King's College Hospital in London. Originally named The Elimination of Leukaemia Fund, the charity supported the work of King's haematology department but grew to be able to offer grants to blood cancer specialists in hospitals across the UK.

Over the last 40 years we have helped to make groundbreaking changes to blood cancer care. Less than three decades ago, there were no beds dedicated to the care of leukaemia patients at King's and its haematology department was on the brink of closure.

Now, thanks to Leukaemia UK, there are four specialist blood cancer wards at King's, including the superb Leukaemia Treatment Suite which, fittingly, is named after our founder, Derek Mitchell.

Read more about our history here.

Our charity today

Many of the changes to blood cancer care pioneered by Leukaemia UK with King's are now routinely used by hospitals across the country.

Today Leukaemia UK is proud to be making a difference to people living with blood cancer by:

Funding essential emotional support
Offering vital help to ease financial worries
Funding innovative and effective research into better care and treatments for leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma and other blood disorders.
Working closely with hospitals and clinicians to improve care, including funding additional staff, paying for ward and room refurbishments and buying new blood cancer care equipment.

Thanks to the generous support of individual fundraisers, payroll givers and family trusts, Leukaemia UK has made a significant and lasting difference to leukaemia treatment in the UK.

Leukaemia UK relies entirely on your voluntary donations. Find out how to support us continue our important work.

Latest

In Memory of Anna Goldie

Annabella Goldie, or Anna as she was known to most, lived a full and active life with great enthusiasm and a love of the outdoors. At the grand age of 99, Anna was diagnosed with this condition and deteriorated quickly whilst never losing her humour and warmth. We invite friends and family to make a donation to Leukemia UK in memory of this wonderful lady."The song has ended but the melody lingers on" Irving Belvin
In Memory of Robert Paul Carroll 14/04/1964 - 26/10/2018

We feel that Rob would have preferred charitable donations rather than flowers.
John French

John French was diagnosed with Leukaemia and was so brave while in ICU and acute assessment and although the diagnosis was made we would like to raise money to support fund raising for such an important cause.
Raising funds for Leukaemia UK

We would like to raise funds for Leukaemia UK as they will study for cures, and battle all types of Leukaemia out there; seeking the best treatments. Also they help support family and friends at these difficult times.