For the first time in the history of the gallery, Opera Gallery will host a ...

I am delighted to welcome you to the Opera Gallery “Life Exhibition” in aid of Cancer Research UK.
This special exhibition brings together prominent pieces from the art world, art lovers and art
connoisseurs alike to celebrate a theme which is very close to our hearts at Cancer Research UK -
the theme of Life.
At Cancer Research UK we carry out world class research to improve our understanding of the
causes, treatment and prevention of cancer.
The last year was very successful for Cancer Research UK. Overall in 2007/2008 our research
spending reached a record £333m and we funded over 4,500 researchers, doctors and nurses
throughout the UK.
Our scientific programme delivered groundbreaking steps in our fight against cancer. Among
many significant developments, our scientists started the first UK trial of a potential new
drug to treat hereditary forms of breast and ovarian cancer. Our scientists also pinpointed new
regions of the human genome linked to the four most common cancers in the UK - breast, bowel,
prostate and lung cancer.
In Spring 2008 we completed the Cancer Research UK-MRC Gray Institute for Radiation &
Biology in Oxford. This new centre will play a vital role in improving and redefining radiotherapy
treatments for cancer patients. We also announced our plans to join with the Medical
Research Council, University College London and the Wellcome Trust to build a world-class
institute in London: the UK Centre for Medical Research and Innovation.
Thanks to Cancer Research UK, more people survive cancer than ever before. In fact, in the last
30 years the average ten year survival rate has doubled, and half of all newly diagnosed people
with cancer survive beyond five years.
Cancer Research UK has been at the heart of this progress - but there is still so much more to
be done, and we can only continue our life saving work with your help and support.
The current economic climate presents real challenges to charity income. Times are tough financially,
but unfortunately cancer does not respond to the markets and as such Cancer Research UK
has to continue to fund vital life-saving research. I hope that tonight you will dig deep and invest
in some of the wonderful pieces of art on offer - arguably a more enduring investment in today’s
uncertain times.
I would like to offer my sincerest thanks to the organisers of the exhibition for their hard work
and enthusiasm in making this event happen. I would also like to extend my thanks to each and
every one of you for attending this evening - tonight your generosity is raising funds that will make
a real difference to the lives of people with cancer.
I hope you all enjoy what promises to be a phenomenal evening.
With very best wishes,
Harpal S. Kumar, Chief Executive Officer, Cancer Research UK
Our Patron: Her Majesty The Queen
Our Presidents: HRH The Duke of Gloucester KG GCVO
and HRH Princess Alexandra,the Hon. Lady Ogilvy KG GCVO
Bernard buffet - Les p o t s d e f l e u r s, 1999
Oil on canvas • 89 x 130 cm - 35 x 51.2 in.
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