Cancer Centre Campaign Backed by Superstars

Members of rock band Coldplay have donated to the University of Southampton’s campaign for the Centre for Cancer Immunology. The band chose the campaign through the close links drummer Will Champion has with both Southampton and the University. Will grew up in Southampton and his parents were both senior academics at the University before his mother sadly passed away from cancer in 2000.

Will said: “Cancer is a devastating disease that affects so many of us. The work the University of Southampton is doing is truly groundbreaking and we are very happy we can support it in this way. It is amazing this is happening in Southampton.”

Construction of the Centre is expected to be completed this autumn, with an official opening planned for spring/summer 2018. It will be the UK’s first and only centre dedicated to cancer immunology research and will bring world-leading cancer scientists together under one roof, enabling interdisciplinary teams to expand clinical trials and develop lifesaving drugs. By the time it is fully operational, it is expected to double the number of patients on clinical trials.

The Centre, which is based at University Hospital Southampton, is being funded by a £25m fundraising campaign by the University of Southampton. Coldplay’s donation moves the fundraising total to £21.6m.