A BUSY DAY FOR HRH THE DUKE OF GLOUCESTER AS HE VISITS FOUR SURREY CHARITIES.

17th September 2024 | Royal Visits to Surrey

A BUSY DAY FOR HRH THE DUKE OF GLOUCESTER AS HE VISITS FOUR SURREY CHARITIES.

His Royal Highness accompanied by HM Lord Lieutenant of Surrey, Michael More-Molyneux, commenced the day at the University of Surrey where he met Anne Powell-Evans, Chair of ‘Topic of Cancer’, a charity based in Guildford and the only one in the UK solely supporting research into cancer immunotherapy. He was introduced to the Cancer Research Team headed by Dr Adam Frampton, Professor in Surgical Oncology, Head of Oncology at the University of Surrey and Consultant HPB Surgeon at the Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, Dr Nicola Annels, Senior Research Fellow who leads the Cancer Immunotherapy Research. The Duke was given a guided tour of the team’s laboratory and scientists were on hand to demonstrate the state of art equipment purchased by the charity and discuss the immunotherapy research they are working on; ethnic specific disparities in prostate cancer, the use of exercise to improve anti-tumour response in oesophageal cancer, the role of the microbiome in bladder cancer, the biological factors influencing long term survival in pancreatic cancer and work being carried out on a prostate cancer vaccine. The research team specialises in ground-breaking work into immunotherapy which uses our immune system to fight cancer. It works by helping the immune system recognise and attack cancer cells as an alternative treatment for cancer and the team is currently concentrating on cancers such as pancreatic, oesophageal, prostate, bladder, kidney, brain (glioblastoma) and ovarian. All of this is enabled by the close proximity of the Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust and the strong collaboration with the clinicians at the hospital.

Anne Powell-Evans explains further: “During the past decade, immunotherapy has permanently changed cancer treatment and has become the standard of treatment in the NHS for many. When we launched Topic of Cancer in 2013, immunotherapy was still very much in its infancy. Professor Pandha and his research team, based at the University of Surrey, were one of the few teams spearheading research into this revolutionary type of cancer treatment. Since then, it has entered the medical mainstream as a powerful game-changing treatment for many cancer patients, improving quality and length of life”.

Topic of Cancer plays a large part by helping to fund the ground-breaking immunotherapy research being carried out by this team. The charity also partners with the team to disseminate the research findings through patient and public meetings and to provide workshops for local sixth formers. Topic of Cancer also supports cancer patients, their families and carers with a choir and bespoke exercise classes. The charity is volunteer run with extremely low overheads of only 2%, the remainder going directly to where it is needed. www.topicofcancer.org.uk

His Royal Highness then visited ‘FareShare Sussex & Surrey’s new warehouse in Guildford and unveiled commemorative plaques on the new fridge and freezers, to mark the charity’s important work to fight hunger and food waste.

The Duke was joined by FareShare Sussex & Surrey CEO Dan Slatter, the charity’s chair of trustees Johnathan Wilkins and Vice Chair Suzie Maine, as well as staff and volunteers on a tour of the warehouse and participated in volunteer activities before meeting the charity’s suppliers and partner organisations. The day concluded with a lunch incorporating surplus food, showcasing the charity’s commitment to reducing food waste.

CEO Dan Slatter said: “We are deeply honoured to have had His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester visit our Guildford depot, recognising the fantastic work our volunteers and staff do every day to keep our depot running smoothly and safely. The opening of our new warehouse in Surrey this year allows us to make an even greater impact in our communities, ensuring that nutritious food reaches those who need it most.”

The next stop was ‘The Grange Centre’ in Bookham of which His Royal Highness, has been the patron since 2005. Upon arrival, he was greeted by Alison Keeley, CEO of The Grange, the Senior Leadership Team and Nick and Yasmin, who are supported by the charity. The tour began at the Embroidery Hub, where The Duke showed keen interest in ongoing projects, including a small monkey being created as part of a larger piece for an embroidery competition and exhibition in February 2025. Next was a visit to the Romero Pottery studio where, fresh from the success of their exhibition at Watt’s Gallery, our potters demonstrated their creative skills followed by a cream tea whilst conversing with Trustees. The Duke then strolled around the grounds where he admired ‘Greenfield’, a cow sculpture recently painted by the Creative Arts team. The visit served to highlight the diverse range of activities and talents nurtured at The Grange Centre. It showcased the positive impact of the charity’s work on the community it serves and reinforced The Duke’s longstanding support as a Patron.

The Final visit of the day was to Brockham where His Royal Highness, in his role as Vice Royal Patron of the Almshouse Association, launched the stunning new Poland Meadow Almshouses project for ‘The Poland Trust’. He and The Lord-Lieutenant were joined by Cadet Flight Sergeant Lucas Reeve, Nick Phillips, CEO of The Almshouse Association, and Martin Smith, Chair of The Poland Trust. During the visit, Martin Smith and trustee Tim Kenny presented the architectural plans for the site, while architect Chris Tizzard, who supported the project’s development, provided insights into the design and logistics. The Duke was also shown a live demonstration of the flood water deterrent system.

Following introductions to the remaining trustees of The Poland Trust and Simon and Juliet Dumas, the generous land donors for the almshouses, His Royal Highness toured several new homes, where he met residents Rachel Smith and Will Harrow with their children, Jessica, Ella, Neve and new born baby Oliver, as well as Rosemary Lawlor with her sons, Marc and Riley. The visit concluded with tea and cake shared with additional residents, and a commemorative plaque unveiling. In a heart-warming gesture, the children of the residents presented the Duke with a special book, “Artwork by the Children of Poland Meadow,” featuring their hand-painted depictions of their homes.

Martin Smith expressed his gratitude to the Duke, saying: “We were honoured to host this memorable event for His Royal Highness. It was a pleasure to show him the almshouses and to introduce him to everyone who played a role in bringing this successful project to life.”

Nick Phillips, CEO of The Almshouse Association, added: “We are deeply honoured by His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester’s visit to Poland Meadows. This remarkable site, partially funded through self-build homes, harmonises beautifully with the surrounding landscape. We owe our gratitude to Simon and Juliet Dumas for their generous land donation and to Mole Valley Council for their collaborative efforts with The Poland Trust in making this project a reality.”

The success of this site, grounded in philanthropic generosity and a decade-long dedication by trustees, has made affordable housing available to young people who might not otherwise have been able to remain in the area.