NEWS

50 Years of Advancing Clinical Cancer Research & Education: 

The story of the EORTC Cancer Research Fund (ECRF) 

Part II – Building on strong foundations

Sir Christopher Mallaby, a distinguished British diplomat who had been British Ambassador to Germany and to France, succeeded Sir Ronald as Chairman in 2001, bringing with him a different but equally vital set of skills from a lifetime of forging international relationships across governments, institutions, and boardrooms. Under his leadership, the ECRF entered a new era of philanthropic ambition.

During Sir Mallaby’s Chairmanship, the Alliance Boots Group [now known as The Boots Group], began its support of the ECRF. The partnership was born at a gala in Monaco in October 2009, under the patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, where Mr Stefano Pessina and Mrs Ornella Barra were introduced to the Fund’s mission – a connection Sir Mallaby and Mrs Agnew (now an ECRF Trustee), nurtured into a transformative partnership that has endured and grown to this day.

Sir Christopher’s tenure also coincided with EORTC’s own 50th anniversary in 2012, a milestone that brought renewed attention to the organisation’s scientific achievements and its continued importance in advancing cancer care. The Fund’s philanthropic reach expanded significantly during these years, drawing in donors, cancer charities, and foundations from across Europe and beyond. When he stepped down in 2014, Sir Christopher remained closely connected to the Fund as Honorary Vice President for many years.

Missed Part I? Read how it all began, from Professor Henri Tagnon’s founding vision to Sir Ronald Grierson’s 25 years at the helm: The Founding Spark

You can also help support EORTC’s game-changing clinical research to unleash scientific breakthrough and transform cancer patients’ lives. Learn how to GET INVOLVED, or Make a Contribution Now.