Our Patrons

Henry Marsh read Politics, Philosophy and Economics at Oxford University before studying medicine at the Royal Free Hospital in London, graduating in 1979. He became a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in 1984 and was appointed Consultant Neurosurgeon at Atkinson Morley’s/St. George’s, London in 1987 where he worked for thirty years before retiring from full-time work in the NHS in 2015.

Henry pioneered brain surgery under local anaesthetic, allowing patients to converse with their surgeons whilst they operate, minimising the risk of damaging ‘eloquent’ parts of the brain.

He has lectured widely on the subject of hospital architecture and design, keeps bees and makes furniture in his spare time.

Sculptor Emma Rodgers is one of the most sought-after and highly collectable artists working in Britain today. art critic David Whiting believes her to be amongst the foremost ceramic sculptors working anywhere in the world.

A winner of the prestigious Victoria & Albert Museum Prize whilst still at art college, Emma is now a member of London’s elite Chelsea Arts Club

Since graduating she has exhibited worldwide and has also been featured in a documentary dedicated to her work on the Sky Arts Channel and has recently worked with Marvel films on the sets of Guardians of The Galaxy and Avengers Age of Ultron.

Emma has created a special tree sculpture “ Ovation’ that is dedicated to the John King Brain Tumour Foundation and will be found a fitting home in a memorial garden at St. George’s Hospital.

It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we inform you of the death of our friend and patron Richard Sullivan.
Richard was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma Brain Tumour in December 2021 after suffering a seizure and tragically passed away on 4th March 2024, after an incredibly brave and dignified fight against this cruel illness. The treatment of glioblastoma has not changed in 20 years and its outcomes have not improved in 30 years, yet brain tumours kill more children and adults under 40 than any other cancer.
An inspirational man, he decided to set up a charitable initiative, project21forlife in appreciation of the outstanding treatment provided by the surgeons at St George’s Hospital, Tooting. Despite undergoing gruelling chemotherapy and radiotherapy, Richard was determined to make a difference and project21forlife has raised over £75,000 for the John King Brain Tumour Foundation.
During his time on the busy neurosurgical ward at St. George’s, Richard found peace and tranquillity sitting in the McKissock Ward roof garden, which the John King Brain Tumour Foundation maintain. He was inspired to support our charity and raise funds and project manage the creating of a ‘Forest in the Sky’ roof garden adjacent to the Neuro ICU ward to provide a restful space for critical care patients, carers and loved ones who are all coping with the impact of extremely difficult and traumatic circumstances.
Richard was passionate about this project as he knew first hand that there was something about the natural world that helps us find peace. Whenever he was in the McKissock garden, he would say….
“I know spending time in a beautiful hospital garden isn’t going to cure my cancer, but it helps me realise my surgery has given me another chance at life – I’m committed to making the most of my time here.”
With Richard’s advanced construction skills, guidance and fundraising the ‘Forest in the Sky’ Garden will be completed in 2024.
Richard was a much-loved father, husband, brother and friend and project21 is a lasting legacy for such a wonderful man. We will all miss him more than words can express.
Your support or donation will make a real impact on the lives of others, – now and for generations to come. You can make a donation directly to project21forlife or join one of our fundraising events.