Jonathan Dimbleby is stepping down as chair of Dimbleby Cancer Care after decades of involvement with the charity founded in memory of his father, Richard Dimbleby. The 82-year-old broadcaster marked his departure at a gathering held at St Thomas’ Hospital in London, which also celebrated the charity’s 60 years of support for cancer patients and their families.

The event brought together NHS representatives, charity trustees, supporters, and individuals directly impacted by the organisation’s work. Among those present were Jonathan’s brother David and several celebrity friends, including Dame Joanna Lumley.

Jonathan Dimbleby described his decision to step down as “quite a big decision” but expressed confidence in his successor, Professor Arnie Purushotham. The incoming chair is a distinguished oncologist with a prominent reputation in the field of cancer care. The transition is expected to take place by the end of the year.

Dimbleby Cancer Care was established in 1966 following the death of Richard Dimbleby on December 22, 1965. Richard, a pioneering BBC war correspondent and a familiar voice in British broadcasting who covered major national events such as Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation, died aged 52 from testicular cancer. At a time when public discussion of cancer was rare, Richard Dimbleby’s openness about his illness attracted widespread attention, with his story making front-page news across the country.

Rather than sending flowers to the funeral, the public contributed donations enclosed in brown envelopes, which in today’s terms amounted to approximately £10 million. These funds laid the groundwork for the charity. Jonathan Dimbleby has spoken about how counting the donations helped him cope with his grief, noting that the activity “filled the space of pain.”

Over the decades, the charity has evolved alongside advances in cancer treatment but remains committed to its core mission of supporting those affected by cancer, including patients, their families, and carers. One of its most recent initiatives is the Cancer Care Map, a nationwide service designed to help people access local cancer support and resources. Jonathan emphasized the charity’s ability to make significant contributions quickly due to its smaller size, saying it “punches well above its weight” by providing valuable national support that is carefully monitored and audited.

Reflecting on the 60th anniversary, Jonathan Dimbleby expressed a poignant sense of continuity, noting that the charity has now existed longer than his father’s lifetime. He said he believes Richard Dimbleby would have been pleased with its achievements, given that “his whole life was dedicated to providing information.”