The Randal Charitable Foundation has awarded Sarcoma UK a £50,000 grant to strengthen the charity’s specialist Support Line and wider support for people affected by sarcoma.
The donation will be made through the Dave Thompson Fund, one of Sarcoma UK’s Group Funds. It was established in memory of former trustee Dave Thompson and brings together his family, friends and supporters to raise funds and awareness for the sarcoma community.
Sarcoma is a rare cancer that can develop in bone and soft tissue. Around 16 people are diagnosed with sarcoma every day in the UK. With more than 100 subtypes, it can be difficult for people to find information that reflects their diagnosis and circumstances.
Sarcoma UK’s free, confidential Support Line is run by nurses and allied health professionals with extensive experience in specialist sarcoma services. The team helps people understand a diagnosis, prepare for appointments, find specialist care and make informed choices about treatment. It also supports family members, friends, carers and healthcare professionals.
During 2026 to 2027, Sarcoma UK aims to have 4,300 contacts with people affected by sarcoma and help 1,250 people feel more confident making choices about their care. The charity is also expanding the ways people can contact the service and using insights from the Support Line to improve awareness and standards of care.
Richard Davidson, Chief Executive of Sarcoma UK, said: “This renewed support will make a practical difference to people who can feel overwhelmed by a sarcoma diagnosis. It will help our specialist Support Line team provide clear, trusted information and support, while honouring Dave Thompson’s lasting contribution to Sarcoma UK. We are very grateful to the Randal Charitable Foundation for continuing to stand alongside the sarcoma community.”
A spokesperson for the Randal Charitable Foundation said: “We are pleased to support Sarcoma UK again. Its specialist Support Line gives people affected by sarcoma access to timely, trusted information and guidance when they need it. By making this grant through the Dave Thompson Fund, we are also pleased to recognise Dave’s lasting contribution and his family’s continued commitment to helping others affected by this rare cancer.”
Dave was diagnosed with fibrosarcoma and joined Sarcoma UK’s Board of Trustees in 2014. He became a committed advocate for people affected by sarcoma and contributed greatly to the charity and wider community. Dave died in 2016 aged 48. His wife, Anjula Thompson, is now Chair of Sarcoma UK’s Board of Trustees, while his daughters Jasmine and Zoe are Sarcoma UK ambassadors. The Dave Thompson Fund has now raised £500,000.
