Raised: 46%
Target: £20,000.00
Raised so far: £9,160.00
Donate now

My story

 
Thank you for visiting my fundraising page.

My brother Robert died on 6th November 2008, just thirteen weeks after diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. The picture to the left is the last one of us together, taken on the occasion of my wedding in April 2007, which probably accounts for the smug look on my face. I don't think Robert ever saw this photo, but if he had, he would doubtless have been most unimpressed, as he was actually several inches taller than me. I was standing on a step behind him - something of a Tom Cruise moment on my part.

During the three months of his illness, our family learned a fair amount about this cruel disease. Large sums of money are spent on research into cancer, but only 1% of it is directed at pancreatic, which is the fifth most common cause of death from cancer. At present, fewer than 3% of those diagnosed with the disease survive for five years. Many, like Robert, live for only weeks or months.

It is critical that money is raised to fund further research into the disease, with a view to earlier diagnosis. To that end, I am promoting a concert by the Holst Singers and the English Chamber Orchestra at Cadogan Hall in London, on 24th November 2009, in memory of Robert and in aid of Pancreatic Cancer UK. The concert is being sponsored by Evercore Pan-Asset Capital Management - the company Robert founded in 2007 with John Redwood and Christopher Aldous. The concert website is www.robertbrownconcert.org.uk  The concert programme includes music by Faure (Requiem) and Vaughan Williams (Lark Ascending and Serenade to Music) chosen by my sister-in-law Deborah. Linked to the concert there is an auction of very special experiences (including some very hard-to-get tickets) and items - you can bid online on the concert website.

This page has been set up to make it possible for those who come to the concert (and wish to do more) those who cannot come along, those who don't like classical music and anyone else who wants to help, to give something to this wonderful charity in memory of Robert. Our family has suffered an enormous loss and it will be some consolation to us, at least, if we can do something positive and constructive to lessen the chances of other people going through the same experience. If Robert had lived, he would certainly have wanted to do something to help address the need for earlier diagnosis - although I suspect the choice of music for any event he might have promoted, would have been rather different!

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to help: Pancreatic Cancer UK gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

Thank you for your support.

Donation by John Wates 04/11/09  

£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid

We hope the concert goes well and you raise as much money as possible. We, too, lost a loved one to pancreatic cancer 6 months ago. Donation by Sandie and Hayley Wood 03/11/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Donation by Vicky Corley-Smith 02/11/09  

£30.00 + £8.46 Gift Aid

Sorry we are unable to make the concert, it's an inspiring event and fitting way to celebrate Robert's life. Donation by andrew ashworth & helen poole 01/11/09  

£30.00 + £8.46 Gift Aid

Donation by Aileen Morrison 29/10/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Sorry I won't be able to make it to the concert. Have a great evening and good luck with the fund raising. Donation by Sorrel Taylor 23/10/09  

Sorry we cannot attend the concert, but I am sure it will be a great evening Donation by robin bowie 21/10/09  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

James, sorry we can't make the concert, much love to Deborah Donation by Richard Stowe & Rhiannon Hodson 20/10/09  

£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid

In memory of Robert Donation by Maggie and Daan Knottenbelt 19/10/09  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Dear James, sorry I can't join you for the concert but hope you reach the target. All best, Claire Donation by Claire Willis 15/10/09  

£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid

In memory of a dear and valued friend who was the embodiment of integrity. The Birans will never forget you, Robert Donation by Magda Biran 14/10/09  

£350.00 + £98.72 Gift Aid

I'm sorry I can't give more, but it's a very worthy cause and I wish you the best of luck Donation by Emma Mortimore 08/10/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

In loving memory of Robert, from Mike & Lynda Donation by Michael Bell 06/10/09  

£1,000.00

This is a wonderful event, and a worthwhile cause. I'm proud to support it x Donation by Damaris Brown 05/10/09  

£100.00

Donation by Steven Harrold 04/10/09  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

It's an amazing thing you're doing - hope the concert is a great success! Donation by Anne-Marie & family 30/09/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

This is a great and important project ! James, we are proud of you. Donation by Asuka&Yasuo Shinozaki 28/09/09  

£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid

Really sorry I won't be able to come to the concert. I hope it all goes well. Best wishes Donation by James Gilchrist 28/09/09  

£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid

Sorry we not able to join you for the wonderful tribute. Lesley & Eddie Vickers Donation by Edward Vickers 28/09/09  

£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid

Donation by joseph cliffe 22/09/09  

£5.00

Hi James - hope the concert goes well and good luck with your raising your target. Kathy x Donation by Kathryn Stott 22/09/09  

£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid

Good luck with the fundraising James...hope to be able to come to the concert Donation by Jeremy Woods (+ family) 22/09/09  

£15.00 + £4.23 Gift Aid

supporting a wonderful initiative - I know how difficult fundraising is - and in memory of my father who also had the illness Donation by Anne Millman 18/09/09  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

An excellent cause, and I hope the fundraising continues to go as well as it has been going. Donation by Lottie Greenhow 02/09/09  

£30.00 + £8.46 Gift Aid

A great cause James - good luck! Donation by Piers Lane 02/09/09  

£30.00 + £8.46 Gift Aid

Donation by Anonymous 22/07/09  

£60.00 + £16.92 Gift Aid

Donation following a stimulating speech given by John Redwood, MP at our PARC meeting last week. Donation by Mike Haffenden 14/07/09  

£3,000.00 + £846.15 Gift Aid

Robert, a long time adviser who had become a very good friend Donation by Alan and Catherine Montefiore 17/06/09  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

In memory of Robert, from an old friend of James Donation by Richard Steele 09/06/09  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Thanks Robert for all your support in the past, now it's time for me to support you. Donation by Deborah Butterworth 02/06/09  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid
Donate now
 
* Total raised online: £6,160.00
  Offline donations: £3,000.00
  Gift Aid plus supplement: £1,408.85

* Charities pay a small fee for our service.
Find out how much it is and what we do for it.