Celebrity and TV presenter Davina McCall has narrated a new short film about the planned Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital, explaining why the new facility will provide a step-change in care for patients across the East of England.
Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital: Power of Proximity
Link: https://youtu.be/XFZVpGlhB9E?si=WU6WDqhe8Fr65gp-
In the film, Davina says: “Cancer touches every life; for many of us, it becomes part of our story, but here in Cambridge, something extraordinary is happening. Patients, doctors and scientists are coming together with one shared purpose, to change what a cancer diagnosis means.”
Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital is a new specialist hospital bringing together clinical expertise at Addenbrooke’s Hospital with world-class scientists across the University of Cambridge and the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Centre. The hospital will combine world-leading research with clinical care in a single setting, accelerating improvements in diagnosis, treatment and survival for people with cancer.
Davina has spoken openly about her breast cancer journey since her diagnosis in 2025, raising awareness and inspiring others to check themselves, seek medical advice promptly and prioritise their health. She hosted a special live broadcast for Channel 4's 'Stand Up To Cancer' from Addenbrooke’s Hospital in December.
"It was an honour to meet staff from Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge last year who are delivering cutting-edge treatment. The future of cancer care is bright and I am so grateful to be part of the journey for Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital, which will make an enormous difference to patients and their families in the East of England, and beyond."
Davina McCall
The film launches today as Cambridge South railway station opens, connecting the East of England and beyond with the Cambridge Biomedical Campus (CBC). As part of the CBC, the new hospital will join the Oxford-Cambridge Growth investment corridor, supporting the UK economy with jobs, infrastructure and world-leading healthcare and research.
The new film features world-leading scientist Professor Rebecca Fitzgerald OBE, inventor of the capsule sponge (or pill-on-the-thread) to diagnose the precursor to oesophageal cancer. As Academic Head of Department at the University of Cambridge and Research Lead for the new Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital, Rebecca explains why the new hospital’s location on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus is essential to accelerate research into clinical care.
In the video she explains: “Collaboration is really key for translating our discoveries into patient benefit. We have the NHS, the University, but also we have industry, pharma and biotech partners, and the power is in the proximity.”
Krishna Zivraj-Nair, a member of the Patient Advisory Group for Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital, shares her story of a cancer diagnosis with a young family and what the new hospital means for her. The film also includes interviews with Elaine Chapman, Lead Advisory Nurse and Dr Wai Keong Wong, Consultant Haematologist and Digital Lead. They explain how the new hospital will harness real-time data, genomics, and AI to speed up diagnosis and provide personalised treatment.
While the film shows visualisations of what the new hospital will look like, construction on site is expected to start in 2027. The Full Business Case is approaching completion – ahead of submission later this year – and the project has moved into the final stages of design. This is the last stage of the business case process and unlocks the final funding for the programme. In the meantime, staff from Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Cambridge, continue to work with patients to shape how cancer care will be delivered now and in the future.
Dr Hugo Ford, Director of Cancer Services at Addenbrooke’s Hospital and Clinical Lead for Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital, said: “Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital will unite world-class healthcare with cutting-edge research to transform the way we prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.”
He adds: “We are extremely grateful to Davina McCall, our patients and colleagues for showcasing our unique approach to personalised and compassionate care.”
Francis Burkitt DL, Chair of the Campaign Board for Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital and High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire said: “This new film describes the vision for the much-needed Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital. Based at Europe’s largest life sciences cluster, we will accelerate breakthroughs and drive scientific and economic growth across the region, the UK, and the world.”
Philanthropy can play a powerful part to dramatically improve the lives of people with cancer for generations to come, far beyond Cambridge. The fundraising campaign for Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital is a joint venture between Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust and the University of Cambridge.
Find out how you can support and donate to the campaign and change the story of cancer.
With thanks to Milner Therapeutics Institute - University of Cambridge, and colleagues from Addenbrooke’s Hospital and the Histopathology team at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.