Pancreatic Cancer UK has appointed David Rose as its new chair of trustees, replacing Eleanor Phillips, whose term ended in January.

Rose will add a 'wealth of experience and insight' from his time leading an NHS hospital trust and the health authority in Warwickshire.

More recently, he has been leading businesses delivering health care for NHS patients in primary care, diagnostics and hospital services.

He also has personal experience of pancreatic cancer after his mother died from the disease in 1986, aged 44.

Rose joins Pancreatic Cancer UK as it prepares for its largest ever partnership as the official charity for the 2025 TCS London Marathon. Through its campaign, ‘The Ultimate Test’ Pancreatic Cancer UK is aiming to raise £2m.

Rose said: “'I am very excited and honoured to be taking on the role of Chair of Pancreatic Cancer UK. The work the charity is doing, to support patients and their families, investing in research to diagnose and treat people earlier and to champion gold standard care in the NHS is making a difference to so many people.

“Having seen the impact of a cancer diagnosis firsthand, it is fantastic to have the opportunity to contribute to the next phase of improving pancreatic cancer detection and treatment. Breakthroughs are hard won, and we will need other organisations to join us, but by funding and supporting world class research we can change the story for the deadliest common cancer.”

“We are hugely grateful to Eleanor for everything she has helped us to achieve. During her time as chair, Eleanor has overseen the development of our new ambitious five-year strategy and has led the charity to make strides in delivering real impact for people with pancreatic cancer.

"Over this period, together with our supporters, we have funded groundbreaking research, campaigned for much-needed change, supported hundreds of thousands of people through our information and specialist support services – and, of course, been selected as the Charity of the Year for the 2025 TCS London Marathon, a transformative opportunity for the cause.”

Pancreatic Cancer UK CEO, Diana Jupp added: “I am delighted that David is joining us to help lead the charity over these next four years and beyond. After decades in which too little progress has been made, there is now an exciting, significant shift in momentum happening for pancreatic cancer.

"David’s wealth of experience will be hugely important as we continue our work on all fronts to make more noise, deliver more breakthroughs, and give people affected by pancreatic cancer, more than hope.”

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