Royal London has begun a £1.2m charity partnership with Cancer Research UK aimed at tackling cancer inequalities.
The partnership will fund research into hard-to-treat cancers and initiatives to improve the pathway to early diagnosis, as well as support programmes that increase cancer awareness in communities.
Royal London’s existing social impact and charitable giving strategy focusses on helping people cope with life shocks and supporting those in financial crisis, primarily through its Changemakers programme and its existing partnership with UK charity, Turn2us.
The insurer said the new initiative will broaden this strategy further, aiming to help prevent life shocks happening in the first place.
Royal London staff and customers will also be given the opportunity to support the partnership through fundraising and donating.
Barry O’Dwyer, group chief executive at Royal London, said: “Cancer continues to affect one in two people in the UK so we are proud to be working in partnership with Cancer Research UK to help save lives and improve cancer outcomes for all.
“Aligned with our purpose, our partnership will focus on increasing awareness, funding research into hard-to-treat cancers, and helping to reduce cancer inequalities, which have a significant impact on the outcome for those affected, for this and future generations.”
Michelle Mitchell, chief executive at Cancer Research, added: “Cancer inequalities are an unacceptable reality. We’re incredibly grateful that with the support of Royal London we can continue our vital research and further our bold ambitions to improve cancer survival for all.
“This new partnership will help fund programmes across early diagnosis and screening to new innovations for hard-to-treat cancers.
“This is such an important area as ensuring that everyone affected by cancer has access to the care they need and deserve will ultimately save more lives.”
