The founder of children’s cancer charity CLIC (Cancer and Leukaemia in Childhood), Bob Woodward has died aged 85, following a diagnosis with inoperable prostate cancer.
Bob Woodward died on 20 January, after having been diagnosed in 2003.
He established CLIC in 1974 after his son Robert was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a type of cancer that develops in children’s nerve cells. Robert died in 1977, aged 11.
Noticing the difficulties that patient’s families faced travelling to visit their children in hospital, he established free accommodation close to specialist cancer centres for the families of young cancer patients, called ‘Homes from Home’. There are now 10 of these facilities in the UK.
CLIC merged with Sargent Cancer Care for Children in 2005, to become CLIC Sargent. The charity now funds paediatric nurses, cancer research and provides social workers and financial aid to cancer patients and their families.
At the time of his son’s diagnosis, three out of 10 children diagnoses with cancer survived. Now, the figure has increased to 8 out of 10.
As well as his work with CLIC, Woodward became the chief executive and subsequent patron of the Starfish Trust in 1998, a grant maker that funds children with life-threatening illnesses and disabilities. He was also a patron for Meningitis Now.
In 2011, he was given a Pride of Britain lifetime achievement award for raising £100m for charity. He also received an OBE in 2014.
Former Prime Minister David Cameron described him as an “unsung hero who takes our breath away”.
Prior to his involvement in charity, Woodward co-owned Woodward Brothers, a property development company with his brother John.
Kate Lee, chief executive of CLIC Sargent, said: “We were really saddened to hear this news and send our heartfelt condolences to Bob’s family and friends at this difficult time. Many years ago, Bob set out on an incredible mission to improve the treatment options and support available to children and young people with cancer. There is still a huge need for such support today and his legacy will live on especially in our many services such as our Homes from Home and nursing.
“Bob’s caring nature and his drive to not stop until every child and young person suffering from cancer receives better support, lives on in our charity’s values today. It’s with Bob’s commitment that we continue our mission to be there for the 12 children and young people who hear the devastating news that they have cancer each day.”
Woodward is survived by his wife Judy, daughter Rachel, son James and granddaughter Laura.
