Our History - Exeter Leukaemia Fund

Our History

In 1987 Exeter Leukaemia Fund became a registered charity following the signing of the Deed of Trust. However, the origins of the charity can be traced back to 1980 when a group of patients and their relatives began fundraising in a small way, having regard to suggestions by the medical staff for the improved comfort of patients on Yarty Ward and ELF was born. In 1984 the fundraising stepped up a gear following the very active involvement in the fund by a then patient (now a trustee!)

From humble beginnings the charity has grown steadily to meet the challenges presented. In 2003 the new state of the art Haematology Centre was opened. This was a massive undertaking for ELF, who provided £1.6 million of the £2.4 million building costs. The Centre has since received many plaudits from experts and patients far and wide.

The campaign to build the Centre started in 1999 and owes a great debt of gratitude to many people who helped to raise money in a variety of ways including "buy a brick" promotion. On route to this major achievement and since, the charity has contributed over £4 million to the treatment of haematological conditions at the RD&E Hospital for the benefit of patients and loved ones across the South West.

Since the charity was formed significant strides have been made. For example, back in 1987 the 20 year survival rate for lymphoma was 30%, now it is 75%. The Centre now see's over 300 patients per week compared to 80 in 1987. These facts along with other major achievements, do not mean the work is done. With increasing numbers of patients from across the South West, particularly North Devon, the support from all is as much needed today and tomorrow as it ever was.