Our history

On 1 November 2019, Leuka and Leukaemia UK merged, bringing together two of the UK’s leading leukaemia and blood cancer charities to create one charity dedicated to innovative research and care for people affected by blood cancers.

The two charities joined forces under the name Leukaemia UK, uniting Leuka’s 37 years’ experience in ground-breaking medical research with Leukaemia UK’s four decades of pioneering care. 

From research to care, we continue to put people affected by blood cancers at its heart. Together, we aim to carry out even more world-class research and advances in care.

 

Leukaemia UK is led jointly by Leuka's CEO Olive Boles and Leukaemia UK's CEO Angela Smith-Morgan. The charity's new Chair of Trustees is Chris Corbin, previously Chair of Leuka, who is supported by a Board including both Leuka and Leukaemia UK Trustees.

Angela Smith-Morgan, joint Leukaemia UK CEO, said, "I am passionate about ensuring those affected by blood cancers receive the best possible care and benefit from ground-breaking research for more effective and kinder treatments.

"With one person being diagnosed with a blood cancer every 14 minutes in the UK, it is imperative that more is done. By joining forces with Leuka, our combined strength will be a catalyst to accelerate our research and innovations in care."

Olive Boles, joint Leukaemia UK CEO, said, "It is a privilege to lead this charity with Angela and to build on our successes. The whole team is committed to ensuring Leukaemia UK makes the biggest possible impact."

From research to care, our new charity has families affected by leukaemia and other blood cancers at its heart. Together, we have the ability to carry out even more world-class research and provide further ground-breaking care.

We need to do more to accelerate research and transform care, and we need to do it now. Together, we be able to make an even bigger difference.

Read our FAQs document about our merger

More about Leuka's history

More about Leukaemia UK's history prior to its merger with Leuka

Leukaemia UK's office address is: Leukaemia UK, 52 Portland Place, London, W1B 1NH.

We are extremely grateful to the David Coffer Lyons for generously allowing Leukaemia UK to use their 52 Portland Place office as our main office.

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