COVID-19: Why we’re making cuts to our research funding

Hope to have technology that can cure cancer soon!

I have watched your new advert on TV and find it distressing. I’m not sure whether the actor says 1 or 2 of us will get cancer or 1 in 2 will set cancer. Are these figures correct or spoken for the shock effect.

Hi when is charity shops reopening?

You say that “tomorrow we can get back to beating cancer”. We need this TODAY. There are thousands of people that won’t get their “tomorrow” because of this decision. It’s disgraceful the way cancer patients have been thrown to the wolves in this crisis. Granted Covid19 needs to be addressed but it’s at the expense of cancer and this is unjust in my opinion.

As with everyone else disappointed that funding has had to cease mean time but totally understand why and glad CRUK is playing apart in the fight to beat virus will continue to support fully

Obviously disappointed with the cut backs To cancer research, which is what I signed up to support, but trusting in your superior knowledge m I will carry on the support level I give, which isn’t much, but helps I know, and trust in your decisions and what you decide to use funding for. Like you, hope funding can soon go back to where it was intended.

You have my support. We must all work together. I will continue with my Direct Debit etc.

Live & Best Wishes to you All

Well, I was looking for a “Please Donate” at the end of your address but there was none! I would like to make a one-off donation and so, I suspect would many others! Help me and others to help you”

I think people who give money for cancer research should be used for cancer research and nothing else the government should help our own country first hits not there money to give a way its the taxpayers money so i say help our own first

I’m stopping my direct debit after hearing this. The government should fund covid 19. I feel so sorry for those who have had treatment stopped. Also CEO should take a bigger pay cut.

Many years ago Oxford University National Cancer Research was asked to make a way of stopping Anthrax via Centre for Computational Drug Design. So they stopped research into cancer and started accelerated research. 10 years of research were completed 4 weeks and so an inhibitor was made and biological weapons destroyed. Now once
again Oxford University National Cancer Research has been asked to contribute with the skills and facilities to find a cure for COVID-19. I personally have DOUBLED my contribution to Cancer Research in the hope that the Centre for Computational Drug Design in the Department of Chemistry, which is funded by the National Foundation for Cancer Research will once again succeed in finding the inhibitor and hence the vaccine

We’ve had a number of questions about continuing cancer research during the pandemic. Funding world-leading cancer research to improve detection, treatment and care remains our number one priority. Although universities and labs have partially closed, many of our researchers are continuing to work productively from home – analysing data, planning experiments, writing up their work and pulling together collaborations with other researchers. But in order to get research fully up and running again, we need to beat coronavirus. That’s why we’re playing our part by enabling our doctors to go back to the NHS frontline and supporting our researchers who are using their skills to research the virus. We expect the salaries of our staff who have gone back to work in the NHS to be covered by the NHS, and we’re seeking urgent clarification on from the Government on whether we can access the £360 million charity fund to support our other work.

Best wishes,

Katie, Cancer Research UK

I understand why you’ve made the decisions that you have and support them. I hope you don’t think what I’m about to say is distasteful. It strikes me that legacies in Wills or maybe even just in a witnessed ‘letter of wishes’ could be a route to increase donations. Very sadly lots of people are losing their lives to COVID-19, many are quite young and many won’t have a Will. I have no idea how you could approach this, as it’s it not my area of expertise, but wanted to raise it for your consideration.

Non Hogkins Lung Cancer Bi Lobectomy operation Lung Cancer no. 2 Pulmonary Hypertension. Diabetes. Still alive. Conoravirus is today’s real killer. My small annual donation on its way. SAVE THE NHS

I’m not gonna keep giving money anymore. Not giving money to Corona virus, I’m helping cancer research and cancer patients. Government should have money to fight this virus. I pay thousands of pounds (tax) for NHS and so on..so please tell us the correct way to stop donating.

As a stage 4 cancer patient with chemo no longer working and access to a cancer drug trial my only hope I am devastated by this decision. Many will die including me. Young people children young adults with families. 1 in 2 of us will have cancer they said how is this right absolute disgrace. Tossed on the scrapheap by you now as well as the uk government. Disgusted angry, upset and feeling defeated no one cares if we die

Completely agree with the last comment.

Irrespective of the amount of salary reduction taken by your Executives, I was surprised that you did not include an easy facility at the end of your very frank report to encourage existing Donors to increase donations to make up some of the shortfall in funding. The huge amount recently raised by Captain Tom proves that there is are still generous people and money for very worthy causes.

I think it’s a shame that cancer patients are not being checked there will be thousands not diagnosed, people who have it worried, understand the rationale behind all this whilst the covid-19 is around but I do worry as a post cancer patient what the future holds for us all

Instead of cutting so much funding on research, I am very irritated that your Executive staff are only taking a 20% cut in their salaries. Should have been 50% and that would leave more for funding

I am appalled by the ridiculously low Executive Pay Cut – they should be very ashamed ! It is a lot less than the pay cut I have had to take for the greater good of my company for a business that isn’t a charity. I will be discontinuing my support until your very well paid Executives have a change of heart !! I will also look for other ways of supporting those with cancer – charities run by more compassionate and less greedy people.

A hard decision in hard times but the right one I believe. I hope people who are removing their donations rethink their decisions as they are making your inability to fund raise worse. Hopefully when this pandemic is over charities like yours will receive the same amount of support that the NHS is receiving now.

Thank you for the very comprehensive information. I understand that these are unprecedented times and fully support your decision. Let’s hope that cancer research and treatment can get back to normal, sooner rather than later. Thank you for all you do.

I comment as a cancer survivor! I also have had cancer related deaths and have ongoing illness within my close family.
That said I totally agree with your actions. It is a question of priorities. The emphasis should rightly be on the killer illness which can be resolved soonest. Much as we all want the curse of cancer to be eliminated, Covid19 is currently the greater threat to so many people around the world, as well as to the progress of your research. Your decisions appear to be pragmatic.

I am very upset that you are diverting money from donations for Cancer research into other areas (Covid-19) without discussion/consultation with those people who are making the donations. We need to continue cancer research. A 20% pay reduction to your Executive Board is also disgracefully low – how can they continue to accept any money when you are taking Government funds for the lower paid?? I am so disgusted with your high-handed attitude that I am discontinuing my donations immediately.

A factual, objective report giving a clear insight into the whys and wherefores of changes being made. Your work is much appreciated. Thank you

Sounds like you have had to make some difficult decisions but I am sure everyone agrees that you have made the correct ones. Good luck in everything you do.

I’m disappointed to hear this and am unable to continue to support the charity at this time.

I support your decisions in how you use the income yet still support the needs of those who currently rely on your results in cancer research. I am retired so can only give the same monthly amount but will send a one off to help your research re COVI-19.

I am fortunate in that my chemo finished on 11th March and my radiotherapy continued for 3 weeks, ending last Friday. I think it is grand that you are redirecting much of your research to. Covid, as if folk with compromised immunities like many of us, catch this horrific disease, the cancer treatment we have all had will be for nothing. Fighting this virus has to be top of everyone’s agenda, so I understand your decision and will continue with my subscription. Let’s hope we beat this pandemic ASAP and you guys can get back to your primary aims. All the best to you all. X

I fully support the hard decisions you have needed to make. I will continue my support for yourselves. I am afraid that I cannot commit to increasing my regular contribution, but will make one-off donations as and when I can afford to do so. I have already made one.
Please ensure you and your staff all stay safe, the work you do is too important to fall by the wayside due to the current awful situation of the covid-19 crisis.

Sorry but I am withdrawing my support for the time being
We are all aware of the dire consequences of covid19 I am not sure cancer research should just stop
People have had cancer treatment stopped at addenbrookes hospital in Cambridge
Sorry but I find that unacceptable
As my partner and myself have willed our money to cancer research and breast cancer U.K.
For the time being our wills have been changed to remover this

I absolutely support the terribly difficult decisions you have to make. My sister died of cancer at the age of 55 last November and I desperately want the research to continue. But I also accept that the world is facing a tragedy of epic proportions. Nothing is normal any more, we all must make changes. It’s outrageous that this research, and other charities like hospices should have to rely so much on donations through lack of government funding but the fact is they do, and I will do whatever I can to support them and you for as long as I am able.

As someone else has suggested, I will be increasing my donation to you. I’m not rich, I’m a pensioner, but if I have to sacrifice some daily luxuries then I will.

“Our reserve policy requires us to have enough investments and managed cash to cover a minimum of 3 months’ work. It’s there to be used as a temporary, short-term measure to allow us to keep the organisation running”
What exactly do you consider to be “..temporary, short term measures”?
A couple of examples perhaps?

I shall continue my support. You are doing what you think is right in this worrying time and no-one should condem that decision. I think you are right in what you are and have always done. The NHS need everyones help and support. Keep safe all of you

I asked the other day what the salaries currently are of your executive members would like an answer please – don’t believe a 20%wage cut is enough – this is public money. Also what are you paying your employees on less pay? Don’t feel cancer research should put money into Covid-research when there are people dying of cancer out there lots of them – some cannot be admitted for treatment. My partner has bowel cancer fortunately know completed chemotherapy, but unable to have his bag reversal or further tests currently. It would be more appropriate to give a donation to Marie Curie or |Macmillan who are supporting cancer patients in the community.

Captain Tom Moore, (bless his heart) has just raised £25 million . If some of this money cannot be shared with Cancer Research, I reckon his valiant efforts have been raised in vain.

I shall be cancelling my monthly donation and give it straight to the NHS

I Shall cancel my subscription and give it straight to the NHS

Hi, yes I support all of these steps the charity is taking and hope like everyone else we can get back to normal ASAP. Although ideally the pay cuts should be lower I appreciate that everyone is having to pay their bills. This is an unprecedented crisis and I feel you are responding as best you can. I shall be continuing my support.

It is a very sad read but I understand that we are in unknown and very difficult territory here and now. I realise that you have been faced with some very difficult choices but trust that all decisions taken are in the best interests of your patients and staff. I will continue to support while I am able but am also very aware that this current situation paints a very uncertain picture for us all going forward. I hope and pray that your good work may get back on track in the very near future.

I think it is a very good idea as to what you are doing. I understand that the Coronavirus needs to be stopped. I fully support how you are helping Covid 19 and still managing to do some testing for cancer. Thank You so much for all the work you are doing

Not at all happy about your organisation funding doctors to work on covid. You should only use our donations for cancer research as the charity is for. I will stop my donations until the covid is sorted.

A little confused with the logic helping with the COVID -19 research when 450 people a day die from cancer every day in the U.K. 2015-2017 stats. This is the data on your own website!

By all means support research to beat coronavirus, however I think you should be making very strong representation to NHS/ Government to ensure existing cancer patients can get the treatment they need, Thousands of us are being told that we cannot be seen cannot be scanned, cannot get established treatments that are proved to save lives. For all intents an purposes we have been thrown under the Covid bus.
When this is over there will still be 900 or so a day diagnosed with cancer, and at this rate the death rate will escalate to well over 450 a day. It is time some proper perspective was applied to ring fence hospitals so that cancer treatment can continue in a safe environment.

I’m very sorry to hear this. I understand that some of your researchers may wish to support the NHS directly by transferring to more front line work and I applaud this. What I find difficult to understand is why your executive directors are only taking a 20% paycut. Presumably they are not meeting and presumably their work too has dried up. I feel very uncomfortable about this.

i think that it is disgusting that the people at the top only take a 205 pay cut while the ones doing the work and the ones suffering with cancer now and in the future are having to make much bigger sacrifices. Because of this I shall be stopping my donation. I am not giving to the rich while they keep their jobs and 805 of valuable money and others less fortunate are left to suffer . I would like you to canvel my direct debit forthwith.

Under these circumstances as a long time supporter of cancer research I respectfully ask other supporters over this terrible time if possible increase your donations if only for a short time to help this charity do it’s most important work.
I will myself increase my monthly donation by 50 % and pray the good people of this country follow my lead.
This important work must still continue!

Money should be taken the 200million tha charity has should be spent. All these big charities should be run by the public no executive should have a say .

Totally understand and support the decision that has been made. Thank you so much for the very clear and detailed information

You all do wonderful work for Cancer Research

I do not agree with this. If you cut funding research then after the coronavirus has gone then more people will die from cancer than the virus killed.

I totally agree with everything you are doing in such difficult times. Prioritising what is important so matters. The doctors who have gone back to the front line & researchers who are trying to find a vaccine are very much heroes & heroines .

Its hard to hear that everything stops because of covid 19. So many lives are being sacrificed because of it. Yes this is unprecedented but also controversial. . Many very ill people are being asked to simply lay down and die. A complete turn-around. Of course people are dying because of the virus but certain choices have been made and we have become extra victims.

Hopefully it won’t be too long before we can beat the corona virus and move on to the important work of cancer research again

We trust your decision making.

Thanks for the informative info

Understand fully your action but confident you can get back on track once we a able to manage COVID-19 We must remain positive for the future for people with cancer 🌻

I understand and generally support the difficult decisions made by CRUK but we need to push hard on the government paying compensation for the facilities and staffing being used to fight COVID-19. I also feel we need to make the government and the general public fully aware of the implications of the current situation on cancer patients.

I approve of all the actions taken by cancer research. I would like to help in any practical way as as retired nurse but have been retired for nearly ten years. The only way I can now help is financially and so am asking to increase my giving to cancer research.Please send forms or whatever is needed. It will not be a large amount as I rely on my pension but I could manage a little more.

Thank you for explaining so clearly what you have done and totally agree with all your decisions. You do a wonderful job and I hope that after this is all over people will give or increase their level of support. Thank you again for your dedication.

Disappointing news, but understandable.
With events like Race For Life and ShineWalk
Could you not do a TV advert calling everybody to partake in a virtual event.
Explain the difficulties that this awesome charity are going through and I’m sure thousands would sign up

We need to keep Cancer Research going wherever possible, even if it’s limited. Maybe the public will help fund it. Keep me informed.

I understand what you’re saying. Has the cancer research lottery been postponed?

very very very impressive FAQ. very thoughtful and clear. thank you for being transparent with us. of course this has been a very difficult process for you to go through. I stand with you and thank you for the contribution you are not making to tackle COVID-19 and look forward to you ramping back your focus on tackling cancer.

Thank you for letting us know how you are helping to beat Covid-19, the measures you are taking are sensible and I fully support you. It’s not much but I intend to double my monthly donation to help in a very small way. Thank you

All perfectly understandable and a reasonable response to an immensely challenging set of circumstances.

Will paying £7 help instead of £5 per month?h

I think you are doing what needs to be done and l fully support your endevers, I for one am completely thank full for what you’ve done for me and friends and you have my wishes for the future.

I hope things are soon back to normal if the government sit down and think they would instead of giving blanket covering to sections they think should be helped individual charities like yours would be closer to the top of the pile.

You should still do researching

Hi I as a previous cancer patient I have supported Cancer research for the past twenty years donating £10 per month as I believe your work is amazing. Thank you so much for working so hard in order to beat cancer.

Hello CRUK,
Please can l visit my grandson Adyan ? I understand he is well now and attending school . I am his grandmother. Please where is Adyan? I would like to look after him. Is he with a foster parents? . Regards,. Esther Ojo

I don’t mind whatever you use our contributions for as long as it benefits people less fortunate than ourselves, thank you.

I think you are doing what you have to in unprecedented times. You will be able to pick up and carry on after this has passed. All good wishes.

I agree that Coronavirus must take precedence until a vaccine has been found.

In order to make some contribution to lost funding could you ask all those who normally take part in the Race for Life to still pay their admission fees as a donation?

Agree with plan in general but patients in need of Chemotherapy should be given the choice to be able to undergo treatment now if they so wish obviously with the vulnerability explained