Cancer Research UK has launched a £400m philanthropy campaign, which it says is the largest by a UK charity.
The “More research, less cancer” campaign is targeting high value donors and philanthropists in order to reach the target over the next five years.
The charity aims to use the funds raised “to help accelerate a new golden age of cancer research and change the outlook for this generation and the next”.
CRUK said the money raised would focus on work at the Francis Crick Institute, support the global cancer research initiative Cancer Grand Challenges, support scientists at every stage of their careers and enable more innovation that translates into effective therapies and diagnostics for patients.
It said the campaign had already received “significant investment” from the Chris Banton Foundation, the Kamini and Vindi Banga Family Trust and the Blackpool Football Club owner Simon Sadler and his wife Gillian.
Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of CRUK, said: “We’re on the brink of discoveries that will transform how we understand and treat cancer – investment is the limiting factor.
“Philanthropic support is the key to unlocking this potential, empowering researchers to take risks, innovate and collaborate across borders to save and improve millions of lives.
“We need those with the means and vision to help us bring about a world where everybody can lead longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.
“That’s why we’ve launched our new campaign today. Because more support means more research, and more research means less cancer.”