James Brown
Robert Brown Memorial Concert
Fundraising for Pancreatic Cancer UK
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 promoted 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 was sponsored by Evercore Pan-Asset Capital Management - the company Robert founded in 2007 with John Redwood and Christopher Aldous.
This page has been set up to make it possible for those who came to the concert (and wish to do more) those who could not come along 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. He would have been thrilled to know that we had helped even one person to survive. I just wish someone could have helped him.
If you have already attended the concert, bid in the auction or made a donation, thank you very much.
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.