Kay Kendall Leukaemia Fund

The Kay Kendall Leukaemia Fund (KKLF), established in 1984 under the will of James Sainsbury CBE as part of the Sainsbury Family Charitable Trusts and registered as a UK charity in 1985, was an independent grant-making trust dedicated to advancing medical research, treatments, and patient care for leukaemia and related haematological malignancies like myeloma and lymphoma. Governed by expert trustees and scientific advisers from leading UK institutions, KKLF emphasised rigorous peer review, scientific excellence, and a dual focus on laboratory/translational research alongside patient-centred initiatives, culminating in a strategic spend-out policy with active grantmaking ending in 2022 and full closure by September 2025.

Historically, KKLF funded high-calibre projects including basic and clinical research, fellowships, capital infrastructure, and direct patient/family support services—such as community aid for blood cancer patients and haematology facilities—prioritising innovations that improved understanding, treatments, and quality of life across the UK. Beneficiaries spanned people with blood cancers, their families, carers, and frontline services in research institutions, NHS Trusts, and charities.

Eligible applicants were limited to UK-registered charities and academic institutions based in the UK, with no income thresholds but a preference for medium-to-large research-led organisations; unsolicited applications were not accepted. Typical grants ranged from £100,000 to £500,000, awarded via selective, expert-driven processes without fixed deadlines.

KKLF excluded non-haematological projects, public fundraising, and indefinite low-spend models, distinguishing itself through proactive, impactful investments catalysing collaborations and addressing clinical gaps, with transparent governance and a legacy of strengthening UK haematology research and care. No further applications are accepted following formal termination on 5 April 2025.