The Ralph Bates Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund (registered charity number 1007819) was set up in January 1992 following the tragic death of British actor Ralph Bates, star of Hammer Horror films such as “Dr Jekyll and Sister Hyde” and the BBC TV series “Poldark” and “Dear John”.
At the time his wife Virginia Bates said:
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“When Ralph was diagnosed as having cancer of the pancreas, I was told that nothing could be done and he only had between six and eight weeks left to live.
He was 50 years old, playing in the West End with a movie lined up for the autumn….he and our 13 year old son, William, had enjoyed the summer together messing about in boats and he’d spent many evenings with Daisy, our daughter, helping her with lines for the TV series, “Forever Green”.
I couldn’t believe this was happening to my family….surely it wasn’t true, something could be done.
But it couldn’t. And in spite of the tremendous care at the Royal Masonic Hospital, the predictions were correct. Ten weeks and one day later, Ralph died” |
At that time, pancreatic cancer was the fourth most common cause of death by cancer in the Western world and its incidence had doubled over the prior twenty years. It is a particular form of cancer which had received little attention from researchers. In the UK, pancreatic cancer currently accounts for some 3% of all cases of cancer. Survival rate was poor, patients living less than three months after diagnosis, as standard radiotherapy and drug treatment rarely worked. New techniques were being identified but it was necessary to support research from private donations.
As a result of research carried out by the Fund and by similar funds across the world, the survival rate has improved, but as each case is unique, it is not realistic to generalise on an individual’s chances.
The main objective of the Ralph Bates Pancreatic Research Fund, is to provide grants for research into pancreatic cancer at St George’s University of London, now based in Cranmer Terrace, London.
The grants enable equipment to be purchased or leased and cover the employment costs and expenses of researchers. At present the Fund has one researcher dedicated to research work at the Hospital with support being given as necessary by other researchers.
With the exception of some miscellaneous administration expenditure, such as postage and printing etc, and annual audit fees, all donations are used for the main objective of the Fund. Consequently, in the Financial Year to March 2002, 96% of all donations were used for Charitable purposes. In the year to March 2003, the figure reduced to 87%, due to a reduction in donations received, but to March 2004, the ratio climbed back to 92% and in the year to March 2005, was 94%.
The Fund receives no direct Government assistance, except for Gift Aid on qualifying donations. All donations are from private individuals and institutions such as Freemason’s Lodges, with a small amount deriving from corporations. Golf Days, sponsored runs, such as the London Marathon and other similar events, all help to generate funds.
The Trustees, none of whom receive any remuneration for their services or reimbursement of expenses, meet as necessary to review the work of the Fund and its financial status. The Fund is fortunate to have two eminent cancer experts as Trustees and they are able to update the other, non-medical Trustees, on the progress being made.
The Patron of the Fund is John Sullivan OBE, writer of the BBC TV series “Dear John” and “Only Fools and Horses”. Virginia Bates, Ralph Bates’ widow, plays an active part in raising funds.