The year 2021 marked the tenth anniversary of when we formally became Sarcoma UK. Here are some of the key developments in our journey.
2011
- Sarcoma UK officially launched at an event with National Cancer Director, Professor Sir Mike Richards.
- Independent equity research firm The Analyst lends its support to Sarcoma UK.
Sarcoma UK officially launched in 2011 at an event with National Cancer Director, Professor Sir Mike Richards.
2012
- Sarcoma UK launches pilot Golf Ball campaign in Birmingham, aimed at raising awareness of sarcoma among GPs and the public.
- First National Sarcoma Forum meeting for sarcoma nurses and allied healthcare professionals held in Birmingham and supported by Sarcoma UK .
2013
- Richard Whitehead becomes first ever Patron of Sarcoma UK and receives an MBE.
- First Sarcoma UK runner in the London Marathon.
Richard Whitehead becomes first ever Patron of Sarcoma UK and receives an MBE.
2014
- Survey and report, Hidden Cancer, which focused on gynaecological sarcoma, is published.
- Launch of the nationwide ‘On the Ball’ campaign targeting GPs.
- Understanding Sarcoma: A new patient’s guide booklet published.
2015
- NICE publishes Quality Standard for sarcoma.
- First patient/ researcher event ‘Talking Research’ held in Manchester with Richard Whitehead.
- First National Sarcoma Patients survey launched.
2016
- Sarcoma UK becomes No 10 Downing Street’s Charity of the Year.
- Launch of Support Line services.
2017
- First Chris Martin Memorial Quiz.
- Support Line reaches 1,000 contacts.
2018
- Clinical trials hub established with over 3,600 page views in the first two months.
- New sarcoma data published to help understand the disease.
- Genomics Research Programme announced with first UK grant of £250,000.
Downing Street reception to launch the Chris Martin Fellowship.
Dr Nischalan Pillay, Richard Davidson and Matt Hancock.
2019
- Sarcoma UK launches a new brand with a fresh, modern look.
- Downing Street reception to launch the Chris Martin Fellowship.
- Launch of NHS England Sarcoma Service Specifications.
- Support Line extends and regulates its hours and introduces text service.
- Publication of report, The Loneliest Cancer, launches Sarcoma UK’s biggest national awareness campaign
- Sarcoma UK works with the Royal College of Gynaecologists to change recommendations and consent advice on morcellation for women having a hysterectomy or myomectomy.
2020
- First parliamentary event to raise awareness of sarcoma among MPs.
- First winners of the Tricia Moate award for allied health professionals and nurses.
- First Glitter Ball held in London.
- The Support Line team doubles in the face of Covid-19.
- Commitment to Early Diagnosis announced and first major policy campaign published with the backing of MP Jess Philips.
- Biggest London Marathon in terms of amount raised through the first ever virtual race.
- Sarcoma UK brought together 20 rare and less common cancer charities in the 20 for 20 fundraising challenge.
- Sarcoma UK committed to funding three new PhD projects, investing £360,000.
2021
- Two new organisational and research strategies were launched.
- We marked our anniversary year starting from Sarcoma Awareness Month in July.
- An Early Day Motion linked to Sarcoma Awareness Month was tabled by MP Marion Fellows.
- Jake Quickenden became the first Celebrity Ambassador.
- Team Gaz cycle ride was our biggest ever fundraiser at £116,253 and wins a Pride of Britain award – Fundraiser of the Year for the London Region.
- Third genomics research grant of £250,000 awarded to the University of Southampton
- Sarcoma UK committed £50,000 to funding a major international clinical trial, EORTC STRASS II.
- The 20 for 20 fundraising challenge returns for a second year.
- An exclusive screening of the long-awaited James Bond film, No Time to Die, is held in London in support of Sarcoma UK.
