Lingen Davies Cancer Fund Charitable Incorporated Organisation
Charity Number: 1160922
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Quick Stats
- Annual Giving: £1,000,000+ (£815,248 spent in 2024)
- Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
- Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed (reviewed by Grants Sub-Committee and Trustee Board)
- Grant Range: Under £500 - £10,000+ (separate processes for different grant tiers)
- Geographic Focus: Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, and Mid Wales
Contact Details
Website: www.lingendavies.co.uk
Email: hello@lingendavies.co.uk
Phone: 01743 492396
For wellbeing programme or service applications (yoga, arts and crafts, mindfulness, sporting activities, beauty therapies), applicants should call the office directly as a separate process is in place.
Overview
Founded on June 5th, 1979 by then Mayor of Shrewsbury Bernard Lingen and local accountant Frank Davies, Lingen Davies Cancer Fund (originally known as the Cobalt Unit Trust Fund) celebrated its 45th anniversary in 2024. The charity has contributed projects valued in excess of £20 million (equivalent to £18 million in today's prices), positively impacting more than 100,000 people. In recent years, the charity has raised more than £1,000,000 annually for three consecutive years, with £815,248 spent in 2024 and an additional £176,000 committed for 2025. Lingen Davies exists to improve the lives of everyone impacted by cancer across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, and Mid Wales through three key areas: improving cancer prevention and early detection, supporting excellent cancer treatment locally, and supporting people living with and beyond cancer. The charity is currently undertaking its most ambitious project to date—the £5 million Sunflower Appeal to double chemotherapy capacity across the region by 2029.
Funding Priorities
Grant Programs
Small Grants Programme (up to £10,000): Rolling applications accepted using small grants application form. Suitable for community organizations, healthcare providers, and voluntary groups providing cancer support services or prevention work.
Large Grants Programme (over £10,000): Applications accepted using main grants application form. Previous large grants have included major medical equipment such as the £416,666 Surface Guided Radiotherapy technology (SGRT) and the £750,000 contribution to the Linear Accelerator machine (50% of total cost).
Community Cancer Support Micro-Grants (up to £500): Delivered in partnership with Shropshire Community Foundation. Total fund of £15,000 available to support grassroots, community-led peer networks for people affected by cancer. Grants support voluntary and community groups creating safe, supportive spaces.
Wellbeing Programme Grants: Separate application process for wellbeing-related services such as yoga, arts and crafts, mindfulness, sporting activities, and beauty therapies. Applicants must contact the office directly at 01743 492396.
Priority Areas
- Major medical equipment: Diagnostic and treatment technology for cancer services (e.g., LINAC machines, SGRT technology, biopsy equipment)
- Clinical staffing: Additional clinical staff to enhance cancer services
- Holistic and complementary therapies: Programmes supporting physical and emotional wellbeing for patients
- Cancer awareness and prevention: Community education, early detection initiatives, and screening awareness
- Patient support services: Practical items and services improving patient experience (e.g., cooling caps, thermometers for chemotherapy patients, water coolers, radar keys for disabled toilets)
- Community-based cancer support: Peer support networks, restorative therapy programmes, rehabilitation services
- Infrastructure improvements: Creating or enhancing spaces for cancer treatment and care
What They Don't Fund
While specific exclusions are not publicly listed, Lingen Davies has stated:
- Work already started: The charity is focused on funding new ideas and projects, so it is unlikely they would fund work that has already commenced
- Geographic restrictions: Projects must benefit cancer patients in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, and Mid Wales

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Governance and Leadership
Chair of Trustees: Tim Cooper (succeeded Mark Harris)
Executive Team:
- Naomi Atkin, CEO
- Emma Backhouse, Chief Operating Officer
- Louise, Operations Manager (with the charity since 2004, became Fundraising Manager in 2012)
Recent Trustee Appointments (2025): David Crosby, Colin Deane, Dena Evans, Pete Jackson, and Danny Lloyd-Jones were recruited for five-year terms. Pete Jackson and Danny Lloyd-Jones both have lived experience of cancer.
Other Trustees:
- Aurona (former solicitor, joined 2008, one of the longest-serving trustees)
- Dr Srihari (Consultant Oncologist at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, specializes in Urology)
- Val (involved in fundraising)
- Chris (geologist with international development charity experience)
The board comprises individuals from diverse backgrounds including medical, accountancy, HR, business, and banking sectors.
CEO Naomi Atkin on the charity's mission: “It is a real privilege to lead the staff team in a charity that makes a real difference here in Shropshire, Telford, and Mid Wales.”
On community support: “Being able to connect with others who truly understand the cancer journey can make a huge difference. These micro-grants will help grassroots groups create safe, supportive spaces where people feel less alone and more empowered.”
Application Process and Timeline
How to Apply
For grants up to £10,000: Use the small grants application form available on the Lingen Davies website (www.lingendavies.co.uk/our-work/working-in-partnership)
For grants over £10,000: Use the main grants application form
For wellbeing programmes or services: Call 01743 492396 directly—a separate process applies for yoga, arts and crafts, mindfulness, sporting activities, and beauty therapies
General enquiries: Contact hello@lingendavies.co.uk or call 01743 492396
Decision Timeline
Grant applications are reviewed by the Grants Sub-Committee. Depending on the nature and value of the application, approval may also be required from the Trustee Board. Specific timelines for decisions are not publicly disclosed.
Success Rates
Success rates and application numbers are not publicly disclosed by Lingen Davies.
Reapplication Policy
Information about reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants is not publicly available. Applicants are encouraged to contact the charity directly for guidance.
Application Success Factors
Focus on new and innovative projects: Lingen Davies explicitly states they are “focused on funding new ideas and projects,” making it unlikely they will fund work already underway. Applications should clearly demonstrate the project is new or in the planning stages.
Geographic alignment is critical: All funded projects must directly benefit cancer patients in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, and Mid Wales. Applications should clearly articulate how many local people will benefit.
Evidence of community need: Successful projects demonstrate clear need in the community. For example, the Fordhall Organic Farm 'Renew and Restore' sessions were funded after demonstrating positive impact on cancer patients through activities like pollinator surveying, foraging, bushcraft, and nature journaling.
Examples of recently funded projects:
- Surface Guided Radiotherapy technology (SGRT) - £416,666
- Fordhall Organic Farm restorative sessions for cancer patients
- Micro-grants of up to £500 for community peer support networks
- Practical patient support items (thermometers, cooling caps, water coolers)
- Community breast cancer support group startup funding
Language and terminology used by the charity: Lingen Davies emphasizes “making a real difference,” “improving lives,” “reducing waiting times and associated stress,” “creating safe supportive spaces,” and “helping people feel less alone.” Applications should reflect these values with concrete examples of impact.
Demonstrate partnership potential: Lingen Davies works closely with NHS trusts (particularly SaTH - Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust) and community organizations. Applications showing collaborative approaches or partnerships may be viewed favourably.
Choose the right programme: The charity offers multiple grant streams. Ensure you apply to the appropriate programme and use the correct application process, especially for wellbeing-focused projects which require a phone call rather than a form submission.
Key Takeaways for Grant Writers
- Don't apply for retrospective funding: Lingen Davies explicitly states they fund “new ideas and projects” and are unlikely to support work already started. Ensure your project is in the planning stage before applying.
- Geographic eligibility is non-negotiable: Projects must serve cancer patients in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, and Mid Wales—applications outside this area will not be considered.
- Scalability matters: From £500 micro-grants to six-figure medical equipment, Lingen Davies funds across a wide spectrum. Match your request to the appropriate grant tier and use the correct application process.
- Evidence of impact: Successful applications demonstrate measurable benefits to cancer patients—whether reducing treatment waiting times, improving patient experience, or creating supportive community spaces.
- Reach out before applying: For wellbeing programmes, the charity requires applicants to phone first. Don't hesitate to contact hello@lingendavies.co.uk or call 01743 492396 with questions before submitting.
- Partnership approach: Lingen Davies has strong ties to local NHS services and community organizations. Applications that demonstrate collaboration or fill gaps in existing services align well with their strategy.
- Align with their strategic priorities: The charity is currently focused on their £5 million Sunflower Appeal to double chemotherapy capacity. Applications that complement or support broader strategic goals may resonate strongly with decision-makers.
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References
- Lingen Davies official website: www.lingendavies.co.uk
- “Apply for funding” page: https://www.lingendavies.co.uk/our-work/working-in-partnership
- Charity Commission register: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1160922
- “Lingen Davies Cancer Fund celebrates bumper year,” Shropshire Live, December 22, 2024
- “£15k fund launched to support community cancer support networks in Shropshire and Mid Wales,” Shropshire Star, October 17, 2025
- "'This is our biggest appeal to date' £5 million needed to bring cancer services to Telford," Shropshire Star, June 5, 2025
- “Lingen Davies Cancer Care renews funding for restorative sessions at Fordhall Organic Farm,” Shropshire Live, February 25, 2025
- “Lingen Davies is 45!!!” Lingen Davies website: https://www.lingendavies.co.uk/lingen-davies-is-45
- “Five minutes with Naomi Atkin,” Shropshire Biz
- Lingen Davies staff and trustees pages: https://www.lingendavies.co.uk/about-us/meet-the-team