The Relentless Voice Behind HPV Vaccination for Boys

The recent passing of Jamie Rae, founder and CEO of the Throat Cancer Foundation, marks the end of an extraordinary life devoted to public health advocacy. Among his many achievements, Jamie will be most remembered for leading the charge that secured the inclusion of boys in the UK’s HPV vaccination programme—an accomplishment that will save countless lives in the decades to come.

Jamie’s fight was deeply personal. In 2010, he was diagnosed with HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer—a form of throat cancer linked to the human papillomavirus. It was a harrowing experience, but one that transformed him into a fierce advocate for change. He established the Throat Cancer Foundation in 2012, determined that others would not suffer in silence or without support. He set out to not only improve outcomes for patients but to tackle one of the root causes of these preventable cancers.

At the time, the UK’s HPV vaccination programme targeted only adolescent girls to prevent cervical cancer. Jamie understood that HPV does not discriminate by gender. The virus also causes cancers of the throat, anus, and penis in men—yet boys were left unprotected. He saw this as a public health failure and a moral injustice.

Determined to right that wrong, Jamie helped launch HPV Action in 2013, a powerful coalition of over 50 organisations unified in their call for gender-neutral vaccination. For five years, the coalition—under Jamie’s stewardship—campaigned relentlessly. Their strategy combined scientific advocacy, media outreach, and political pressure. Jamie also pushed legal boundaries, leading the Foundation to initiate legal action against the government for its discriminatory policy.

Victory came in July 2018 when the UK government announced that boys would finally be included in the national HPV vaccination programme. It was a momentous win: experts estimate this policy shift will prevent over 100,000 cancer cases in the UK by 2058.

But for Jamie, the job wasn’t finished. He continued to campaign for a “catch-up” programme for older boys who had missed out on vaccination. He believed no child should be left behind simply because of their birth year or socio-economic status. His commitment never wavered.

Jamie Rae's legacy is monumental. He changed a government’s mind. He changed national health policy. And most importantly, he changed—and saved—lives. His work ensures that future generations of boys and girls alike will be protected from one of the world’s most common and dangerous viruses.

Donate now, to continue his work and legacy.

In remembering Jamie, we honour a man of courage, compassion, and conviction. His voice may be gone, but his impact will resonate for generations.