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 Ralph Bates Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund is a registered charity, number 1007819.  The trustees are Virginia Bates, Dr John Glees MD FRCR, Mr Michael Knight MS FRCS, Patrick Baly FCA, John Sherry and Les Biggs ACIS (Secretary).  The Patron of the Fund is John Sullivan OBE, writer of the BBC TV series “Dear John” and “Only Fools and Horses”.