King Charles announces patronage of cancer charity

King Charles III has announced that he will remain patron of a leading cancer charity based near Bristol.

The monarch has supported Penny Brohn UK since 1980, becoming close friends with the charity's founders Penny Brohn and Pat Pilkington.

The announcement, which marked the first anniversary of the King's coronation, follows his own cancer diagnosis in February 2024.

The charity's CEO Andrew Hufford told BBC Radio Bristol he was "proud, surprised and absolutely amazed that he has stayed loyal to us for over 40 years now".

The charity, which is based in Ham Green, Pill, focuses on helping people to "live well with cancer", supporting people to develop physical and emotional resilience after their diagnosis.

Trustee and daughter of the organisation's founder Jess Brohn told the BBC that when King Charles began supporting the charity it had been "quite radical" to support a cancer charity that took a "holistic approach".

"He was just such a kind generous man when my mum was ill. Through the years he would send flowers, we've got handwritten notes, he really added a personal touch," she added.

"We're absolutely delighted, what these things do is put a spotlight on us and allow people to find us."

It has also been announced that His Majesty will continue the legacy of his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, by taking up the role of Royal Patron for Sue Ryder's Leckhampton Court Hospice, based in Gloucestershire.

The Queen was appointed as patron for the palliative care and bereavement support charity in 1993.

Over the past 38 years, His Majesty has regularly visited the hospice.

Heidi Travis, the chief executive officer, said everybody at the charity is "absolutely delighted and truly honoured" that the King is taking up the role.

The King took a break from public-facing duties after his diagnosis in February, but marked his return at the end of April with a visit to a specialist cancer centre in London.

During his appearance he met and spoke with cancer patients undergoing treatment, telling of his "shock" at finding out he had the disease.

Over the years the monarch has attended a wide range of events marking major milestones for Penny Brohn UK, including opening their Ham Green centre and cutting the cake to mark the charity's 40th birthday.

Mr Hufford told BBC Radio Bristol that the King had "personal passions for therapeutic green spaces" as well as an interest in diet and exercise and "getting people to think closely about their mental and spiritual health", which align with Penny Brohn UK's focus.

His continued patronage, Mr Hufford said, is an "incredible privilege", especially after the King had seen the charity "through many difficult times".

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