Celebrating our eighth year of partnership with Philip Kingsley

Our longstanding partnership with haircare brand Philip Kingsley supports breast cancer research at The Royal Marsden.

Each year, for one day in June, all proceeds from products purchased on Philip Kingsley’s website – and in their Trichological Clinic in Mayfair – are kindly donated to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.

The campaign honours the birthday of the brand’s late founder and has raised more than £70,000 since the collaboration began in 2017.

An old black and white photograph showing three people, including a younger Philip Kingsley, working on someone's hair
Philip Kingsley at work

Supporting breast cancer research at The Royal Marsden

Fundraising from this campaign will support breast cancer research at The Royal Marsden, led by Consultant Breast Surgeon Mr Gerald Gui. Mr Gui leads research into surgery to improve breast reconstruction, aesthetic outcomes and reducing complication risks after mastectomy following a cancer diagnosis. He also conducts research into preventative mastectomy in women with a genetic predisposition to breast cancer.

“We’re very grateful to everyone at Philip Kingsley for your ongoing support” says our Head of Corporate Partnerships, Siobhan Clarke. “As we enter our eighth year in partnership, the money raised from this annual initiative will support Mr Gui’s vital and pioneering breast cancer research. His work will not only make a difference to patients here at The Royal Marsden, but for people around the world. On behalf of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, thank you to Philip Kingsley and to everyone who supports 2024’s campaign.”

Toral’s breast cancer story

Toral was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 29, just six years after she supported her mum through the same diagnosis. They have both been under the care of The Royal Marsden, with Toral since being treated twice more after her cancer recurred in 2018 and again in 2020. Toral has had a number of different treatments and surgeries. Mr Gerald Gui has been her primary consultant over the last 18 years.

“Both my mum and I have had cutting edge treatment and surgery at The Royal Marsden through our cancer journeys. Knowing that we had access to the latest treatments and surgical techniques was reassuring. It’s been fantastic to see how things have improved so much over the years since we first became patients. For example, I was on a 10-year trial for younger breast cancer patients under Mr Gui which meant I was monitored by yearly MRI scans. Now, this has become standard practice for high-risk younger patients like me.” 

 Header and shoulders of Toral, who is smiling and wearing a bright blue top and a gem stone necklace
Toral, breast patient at The Royal Marsden

“When I first realised that I required a mastectomy, aged 29, my whole world fell apart. I moved to The Royal Marsden in Chelsea due to Mr Gui and his experience in treating younger women with breast cancer. I always felt heard and seen by Mr Gui, he and the team always included me in the decisions about my treatment plan and next steps.”

“I was terrified of losing my breast but Mr Gui constantly reassured me and worked with the plastic surgery team to give me the best options available at the time. Mr Gui ensured that I was able to have a skin sparing mastectomy, a newer technique that tries to preserve as much healthy breast skin as possible with minimal scarring, so that I could maintain the shape of my breast and still feel confident in my appearance."

I’d like to thank Philip Kingsley for all their support as the research Mr Gui is conducting in these areas really is making a huge difference to patients just like me. 

"He also made sure that I was out of hospital for my 30th birthday and encouraged me to start exercising as quickly as possible post mastectomy. As a result, I completed the London Triathlon within a year of having the mastectomy while having further surgeries and treatment!”

“The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity is a cause very close to my heart as both my parents and I have all benefitted from treatment and care at the hospital. Being part of a family who are genetically pre-disposed to getting a cancer diagnosis and having gone through so much surgery myself, I’d like to thank Philip Kingsley for all their support as the research Mr Gui is conducting in these areas really is making a huge difference to patients just like me. With more younger women, (under 40), being diagnosed with breast cancer, we require more research into high risk younger patients to manage further risk and recurrence."

"If I had to sum up my cancer journey in one sentence, I would say that it’s been the hardest obstacle that I have had to face, yet it has been the making of me and shown me how resilient I really am."
 

How to get involved

On 4 June 2024, all proceeds from products purchased on Philip Kingsley’s UK website and in their UK Trichological Clinic in London will be donated to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.

Visit Philip Kingsley’s website on 4 June 2024 to support this initiative. 

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