Blood Cancer UK named as BioIndustry Association's charity partner of the year

Blood cancer, which includes leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma, is the UK’s fifth most common cancer and third biggest cancer killer. It’s the most common cancer in children and the incidence of some types of blood cancer is almost three times higher in people of certain ethnic minorities.

With over 250,000 people currently living with the disease in the UK, the partnership aims to raise the profile of blood cancers, and spotlight the importance of clinical trials for people with blood cancer to access life-saving treatments.

The BIA will support Blood Cancer UK through strategic opportunities and fundraising activities over the next 12 months.

The partnership will be formally launched at the BIA’s Gala Dinner on Thursday, 30 January 2025. Funds raised from the partnership will go towards Blood Cancer UK’s clinical trials support service, a nurse-led service that supports people affected by blood cancer, before, during and after enrolment on a trial.

“Health charities are a key component of the UK’s life science innovation ecosystem; their research is driven by patient insight and provides expertise that UK SMEs can learn from and partner with. This collaboration will play a crucial role in raising awareness about blood cancer, fostering knowledge, and potentially leading to significant advancements in research and trials. I look forward to celebrating this partnership at our Gala Dinner in 2024 and identifying areas of opportunities for Blood Cancer UK with our membership.”

Helen Rowntree, CEO of Blood Cancer UK, said:
“We’re honoured to be named the BioIndustry Association’s Charity Partner for 2025. This partnership will help us address the disparities in blood cancer outcomes across the UK. We have been working closely with the industry for the last decade, and now with the BIA's support, we will amplify our work to improve survival rates and strive to ensure that no one’s chances of survival are determined by where they live.

Through this partnership, the BIA will leverage the strength of the UK life sciences sector to support those affected by blood cancer, including through Blood Cancer UK’s vital Clinical Trials Support Service (CTSS). The CTSS addresses barriers to accessing clinical trials and helps more people with blood cancer participate, providing critical support to patients. The joint partnership will fund one CTSS nurse for a year.