Ralph Lauren: Over a decade of partnership with The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity
Since 2013, The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity has been a proud partner of Ralph Lauren Corporation and their annual Pink Pony Initiative.
We've been working together with Ralph Lauren since 2013
For more than 30 years, Ralph Lauren has been committed to raising awareness in their fight against cancer. The Pink Pony Initiative, the Company’s worldwide cancer awareness and fundraising initiative, supports programmes for research, screenings, early diagnosis, treatment, education and patient navigation.
In 2013, our partnership was born from our shared ambition to support life-saving work that can develop new and better treatments for cancer patients around the world.
Thanks to the incredible support of the Ralph Lauren community, together we have:
Opened the Ralph Lauren Research Wing
In June 2023, we celebrated the opening of the Oak Cancer Centre together. The centre is home to the Ralph Lauren Research Wing, which brings together over 150 researchers working across cancer types to speed up progress for the benefit of patients globally.
Having researchers from different tumour specialities working alongside each other for the first time means they can easily share their latest innovations. This is helping to speed up the development of new treatments that will save the lives of patients.
“Chemotherapy is a hard process, but the Oak Cancer Centre makes a big difference. You feel welcomed and safe in the environment and there is an ambience of peacefulness. The ease of being in the building, from the digital check-in to receiving treatment in your dedicated chair, really helps as you are going through your own cancer journey. The wonderful team of nurses and staff welcome you with the warmest smiles and deliver exceptional care.”
- Sam, a patient who received treatment in the Oak Cancer Centre
Opened the Ralph Lauren Centre for Breast Cancer Research
Thanks to the supporters of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, including a generous donation from Ralph Lauren, the Ralph Lauren Centre for Breast Cancer Research opened at The Royal Marsden, Chelsea, in 2016.
The centre is a world-class facility for breast cancer research, staffed by a team of world-renowned clinicians and scientists working with the latest technology to set a benchmark for cancer research around the world.
"Being on a trial led from the Ralph Lauren Centre for Breast Cancer Research has given me precious extra time with my family, which I am so grateful for.
Thanks to the option of a new immunotherapy treatment combination, I have been able to become a grandmother for the first time and I am able to see my family growing up each day."
- Hasna, breast cancer patient at The Royal Marsden.
About The Pink Pony Initiative
Since 2000, Ralph Lauren’s Pink Pony Campaign has taken place every October. The proceeds raised by the campaign support an international network of cancer charities including The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
The campaign's mission is to help reduce disparities in cancer care and ensure that access to quality treatment is available to everyone at an earlier, more treatable stage.
Pink Pony 2024
This year’s Pink Pony Initiative launched on 26 September and runs throughout October. Called “Live Well. Be Well”, the campaign is rooted in the spirit of an active lifestyle, featuring a sporty selection of men’s, women’s, children’s and accessories including a limited-edition range of fitness equipment in collaboration with the brand Bala.
In the UK, Ralph Lauren will donate 100% of the purchase price (excl. VAT) from the sale of the classic Pink Pony Twill Ball Cap and the Pink Pony Cashmere Hoodie and 25% of the purchase price (excl. VAT) of all other products in the Pink Pony collection, including the Ralph Lauren Pink Pony x Bala capsule collection.
Further funds will be raised from a Pink Pony Latte available at their New Bond Street store in London throughout October, as well as through a pop-up refreshments cart at their Brompton Cross store during two October weekends.
Shop the Pink Pony Collection, or you can donate on the Ralph Lauren UK website.
Team Ralph Lauren
The power of our partnership is driven by the commitment and involvement of Ralph Lauren employees across stores and offices.
Pink Pony is a cornerstone programme for Ralph Lauren. Deeply rooted within the fabric of Ralph Lauren’s culture, it brings together all facets of the business, from employees who raise awareness by participating in global Pink Pony Walks and fundraising and volunteering events, to customers who give back through their purchases and donations.
In the UK, Ralph Lauren employees from across the company organize a range of fundraising events throughout the year – from silent auctions and sample sales to bake sales and raffles. They also generously give their time through volunteering days and take on challenge events which see them running, trekking and cycling.
Inspiring Ralph Lauren employees with talks from Royal Marsden patients and clinicians.
Sharing the difference that the partnership is making is at the heart of our October calendar. Throughout the month, Ralph Lauren stores and offices welcome Royal Marsden patients and staff to speak to employees, answer questions and talk about how Ralph Lauren’s support is transforming the lives of patients at The Royal Marsden and beyond.
Emma Campbell and Fran Whitfield are two of the many Royal Marsden patients who have shared their stories at these events and become closely involved in the partnership:
"At age 25 I was told I had two years to live. Now I’m in remission. I first supported Pink Pony in 2022, when I had just celebrated my 28th birthday and marked one year of being cancer free, which felt very poignant. I’m delighted to have had many opportunities to support Pink Pony over the years, speaking to Ralph Lauren teams in stores and offices about how important their support is for patients like myself who have directly benefitted from their fundraising. I feel very lucky and grateful to have just celebrated my 30th birthday, a milestone I was originally told I would never see, before moving to The Royal Marsden. Thank you Ralph Lauren for everything you do, your support really does make a huge difference."
- Fran Whitfield
"Life with cancer is fragile and uncertain but, 12 years on from my initial breast cancer diagnosis, I feel incredibly lucky to still be here. Having the opportunity to share my experiences with the Ralph Lauren teams and highlight how important their support is for patients like myself has been incredible. Thank you to everyone at Ralph Lauren for supporting The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity; your fundraising and donations are invaluable."
- Emma Campbell
Inspired? Become a corporate partner
The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity works in partnership in a variety of ways with the private sector. We can offer your business unique opportunities to engage your customers and staff, all while helping to improve the lives of people affected by cancer.
To find out more about our partnership approach, please call 020 7808 2233 or email us: [email protected]
