Plaque Unveiling

Belfast City Lord Mayor Mairtín Ó Muilleoir today unveiled a plaque to mark the 50th anniversary of local research charity Leukaemia & Lymphoma NI.

The 50 year old charity, formerly known as the Northern Ireland Leukaemia Research Fund, recently underwent a major rebrand and today the charity said thank you to its supporters by unveiling a glass plaque and hosting a coffee morning at the Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology (CCRCB).

The plaque unveiling also follows an announcement that £1.5 million will be invested by Leukaemia & Lymphoma NI over the next three years, to fund further research into leukaemia and related blood cancers. 

Commenting at the launch, Belfast City Council Lord Mayor Mairtín Ó Muilleoir said:

“It is with great pleasure I unveil this beautiful glass plaque to mark Leukaemia & Lymphoma NI’s 50th anniversary of scientific research into leukaemia and associated blood cancers.

“The haematology research laboratories within the Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology (CCRCB) are doing sterling research work and contributing greatly to the fight against cancer.

“I congratulate those hard-working researchers and also the dedicated volunteers whose support has allowed the charity to reach this landmark anniversary. I wish them luck for the next 50 years.”

Professor Ken Mills, Chair of Experimental Haematology in Queen’s University Belfast, said:

“This plaque marks the hard work that has gone into leukaemia and lymphoma research in Northern Ireland which is greatly appreciated by the Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology(CCRCB) at Queen’s University Belfast. The plaque is testament to all those working to enhance scientific research into leukaemia and associated blood cancers. It is also testament to those volunteers who have supported the charity in the past 50 years and for that support we are grateful.   

“Our research into leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma is internationally renowned and our world class insights need to be supported and encouraged. The research we carry out seeks to understand how leukaemia and other related diseases develop. From this important work we can discover better ways of treating these diseases and ultimately improve the outcome and quality of life for patients.  

“Leukaemia and Lymphoma NI recently rebranded in order to reinvigorate it and allow it to continue its fundraising and research efforts so it is quite timely that we unveil this plaque as a symbol of its commitment to the fight against blood cancers”.

 Mr Bill Pollock, Chair of Leukaemia & Lymphoma NI, said:

“The unveiling of this plaque is a symbol of a new and exciting era for Leukaemia & Lymphoma NI and marks the dedication and commitment by our scientific researchers and supporters over the last 50 years. 

“We’ve recently made a £1.5 million three year investment which will enable researchers and clinicians in Queen’s University Belfast and across Northern Ireland to continue and expand their internationally recognised research.

“The number of lives and loved ones that have been saved through the donations raised and spent here on scientific research is significant, and with our new vision for the charity we are confident that we will be able to continue advancing the fight against blood cancers for many years to come.  

“We would like to say thank you to our supporters for all of the hard work and fundraising that has enabled Leukaemia & Lymphoma NI to reach its 50th anniversary.”