UCL Cancer Institute

Paul O'Gorman

Paul O'Gorman was just 14 years of age when he was diagnosed with leukaemia. He died in February 1987, only three months after diagnosis.

Diana, Princess of Wales, moved by the tragedy, was instrumental in the formation of the Charity, which she inaugurated on 12th January 1988.

During the course of his illness, Paul was shocked at how children suffered at the hands of this disease, and yet how courageous and determined they remained. Before his death, Paul made his parents promise to help other children with leukaemia.

Within weeks of his death, Paul's family set about a fundraising campaign, led by his sister Jean. But the family was dealt a second blow when only nine months after Paul's death, and days after attending the first major fundraising event, Jean herself died of cancer.

Despite this devastating loss, Paul's parents, family and friends were determined to fulfill Paul's wish and continue Jean's work - to give all children a better chance against this disease.

The first task of the new charity; Children with Cancer UK was to raise £2 million towards a leukaemia centre at the world-renowned children's hospital in Great Ormond Street, London.

The Paul O'Gorman Childhood Leukaemia Research Centre at Great Ormond Street, together with other centres named after Paul, are at the forefront of advances in research and treatment of this disease.

What began as a small memorial charity is now Britain's leading charity dedicated exclusively to the conquest of childhood leukaemia through pioneering research, new treatment and support of leukaemic children and their families. The name Paul O'Gorman has become synonymous with excellence, commitment, and hope in the research and treatment of childhood leukaemia.