CAMBRIDGE CANCER RESEARCH HOSPITAL NEWSLETTER: AUGUST 2026
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I’m delighted to be writing this summer newsletter at such an exciting time for Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital (CCRH).
Construction of the new hospital is due to begin next year and if you have visited the campus recently, you may have seen newly designed hoardings going up to demarcate the site but also to highlight our mission. Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital is about more than the physical building – it is the opportunity to bring clinical care and discovery science much closer together. The new hospital will unite an extraordinary breadth of expertise, creating a place where world-leading clinicians, scientists, industry innovators and patients can work side by side.
In May and June we held two town hall events – one in the west of Cambridge and one on the biomedical campus – to brief University of Cambridge and NHS staff on our progress and how they can contribute to the vital transformation work underway to improve how we deliver care now and in the future. Thanks to the power of AI we could show what a patient journey will look like in the new CCRH building with research that is fully integrated into all aspects of their care from diagnosis to treatment and survivorship. These integrated pathways for all patients will enable equitable access to state-of-the-art technology and also ensure that the anonymised data and biosamples benefit future patients as we continually learn from experience.
You can find out more about this vision in our new film, Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital: Power of Proximity. We were thrilled to collaborate with Davina McCall to explain how the new hospital will provide a step change in care for patients across the East of England and beyond, and highlight the power of bringing patients, clinicians and scientists together with one shared purpose.
In June, we were grateful to announce a £10 million donation from philanthropist Andrew Barnes to name the Charlotte Lockhart Precision Breast Cancer Institute in honour of his partner. This generous support will help advance our transformation ambitions, and by locating the institute within the future hospital, we’re bringing research and clinical care together to accelerate more personalised treatments for patients. Philanthropy is vital to making Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital a reality, with the fundraising campaign being delivered as a joint venture between Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust and the Cambridge University Development and Alumni Relations Office.
Alongside our transformation work, we’re continuing to make good progress on the practical steps needed to bring the hospital forward. This includes preparing the Full Business Case, which we plan to submit at the end of the year, and continuing to work closely with our commissioners and key stakeholders, including the East of England Cancer Alliance. We’re also focused on meeting Building Safety Act (BSA) requirements, with good progress being made on the documentation for BSA Gateway 2, planned for submission in March 2027. This is an important approval stage which gives assurance that our design meets the required safety standards before construction can move ahead. In late June, the programme also underwent an independent assurance review by the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA). The review provided assurance to the Cambridge University Hospitals Board as well as the CCRH programme, and its recommendations are already helping to strengthen the programme.
Finally, I want to thank the many patients and colleagues across research, industry and clinical teams who continue to work with us to shape Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital. Your insight, commitment and individual experiences are central to this work and are helping us bring this ambitious vision to life. It was inspiring to see some of this contribution recognised with High Sheriff Awards during a visit from the High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire in April, celebrating patients and staff who are helping to improve cancer care and shape the future hospital.
Thank you to everyone involved for the expertise, energy and commitment you continue to bring to this important work.
There are many ways to get involved as the work continues, from joining our patient involvement groups to supporting fundraising activity or helping to share and shape the programme. To find out more, visit our website or email us at hello@cambridgecancer.org.uk.
Professor Rebecca Fitzgerald
Research Lead, Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital |
Davina McCall narrates new film: Power of Proximity
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Celebrity and TV presenter Davina McCall has narrated a new short film about Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital, explaining how it will provide a step-change in care for patients across the East of England.
Davina has spoken openly about her breast cancer journey since her diagnosis in 2025, raising awareness and inspiring others to check themselves, seek medical advice promptly and prioritise their health. She hosted a special live broadcast for Channel 4's 'Stand Up To Cancer' from Addenbrooke’s Hospital in December.
"It was an honour to meet staff from Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge last year who are delivering cutting-edge treatment. The future of cancer care is bright and I am so grateful to be part of the journey for Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital, which will make an enormous difference to patients and their families in the East of England, and beyond."
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£10m donation to name precision breast cancer institute
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Businessman and philanthropist Andrew Barnes ONZM has donated £10m to establish the Charlotte Lockhart Precision Breast Cancer Institute, in honour of his partner who has terminal breast cancer.
The institute will be part of Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital, supporting more personalised breast cancer treatment through advanced technologies, genomics and AI.
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High Sheriff showcases contribution of staff and patients
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The High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire, Francis Burkitt DL, visited the future hospital site to meet staff and patients helping to shape the programme. High Sheriff Awards also recognised contributions to cancer care, research, and patient involvement.
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Welcoming the launch of the Zenith supercomputer
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We welcomed the launch of Zenith, the UK’s largest AI-for-science platform, which could support AI tools to improve cancer prediction, diagnosis, treatment and outcomes.
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Artist selected for new creative installation
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Acclaimed artist Ivan Morison has been selected to create The Welcome, a large-scale sculptural mural for the Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital’s foyer, developed with patients and staff to help create a welcoming environment.
To learn more about the creative process behind the artwork, visit the new Conversations with Clay exhibition in the Addenbrooke’s Gallery, which explores how patients, staff and the local landscape are helping to shape the piece.
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Cambridge South station opens
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Cambridge South railway station has opened, providing a new sustainable way for patients, staff, visitors and researchers to reach the Cambridge Biomedical Campus and, in future, Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital.
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Cambridge Dragonboat Festival prepares to make waves for CCRH
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Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT) are celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Cambridge Dragonboat Festival with an aim to raise an ambitious £50,000 to support cancer services at Addenbrooke’s and the future Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital. Sponsored for the third year by Illumina and organised by NewWave Events, this is a brilliant chance to team up with friends and colleagues and paddle down the beautiful River Cam for a meaningful cause. Only a few boats left, don’t miss your chance to make waves for CCRH, register your team now!
We are grateful to have the CCRH Project Team entering once more, please support them via their fundraising page.
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Cambridge Half Marathon 2027
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Sign up here to join #TeamAddenbrooke’s at the Cambridge Half Marathon 2027 on Sunday 14 March and take on one of the region’s most iconic races. Every mile you run will help support cancer services at Addenbrooke’s and the future Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital.
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Grantchester Charity Fun Runs
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The Grantchester Charity Runs is back on 27 September, once again supporting Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust. Runners can opt to take on the 10k or the 3k route through attractive farmland adjacent to Grantchester and raise funds for cancer services and the Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital campaign. |
Addenbrookes Charitable Trust have access to over 700 runs and challenges across the UK and overseas. Please do get in touch with Community Fundraiser, Sophie Street at Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust if you would like further information sophie.street@act4addenbrookes.org.uk. |
EVENTS AND INVOLVEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
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Invitation to CCRH Patient and Public Involvement afternoon
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Join us for a special afternoon bringing together patient and public involvement members across Cambridge.
This is a chance to come together in person, to reconnect, meet others involved in the project, and spend time as a community who are all helping to shape the future of the new hospital. The event will take place on Monday 1 September.
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How do you feel about the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in medical imaging?
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The Department of Radiology at the University of Cambridge has launched a survey to better understand what the public and patients know and think about AI in medical imaging.
Please take a few minutes to complete the below survey and share it with others. Your feedback will help inform future research and the responsible implementation of AI in healthcare.
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Experimental Cancer Medicine Demystified
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Learn about cancer prevention, detection and treatment - meet the experts behind the research and hear from those taking part.
The Cambridge Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre invites you to this open event for patients, carers, and anyone with an interest in cancer clinical trials and translational research. Taking place on Friday 18 September, 10am - 4pm.
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Patients and their families are involved in the Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital programme in two groups; the Patient Network and the Patient Advisory Group (PAG). For more information on how to join, please visit our website.Fundraising and philanthropy have already transformed global healthcare. Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital is your chance to play a powerful part in saving and improving the lives of people with cancer for generations to come. If you would like to know more about how you can change the story of cancer, then please find out about donating and fundraising.
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