Philanthropy

In Pakistan, where palliative care services remain scarce despite overwhelming need, the Jeelani Drabu Palliative Care Programme is expanding access to compassionate, community-based care. This work, delivered by the RCP’s global health team and local clinicians, was made possible through the vision and generosity of Dr Yasmin Drabu, in memory of her late husband, Dr Jeelani Drabu.

Since its launch, the programme has:

• Delivered specialist training to palliative care nurses and doctors
• Developed culturally sensitive resources for patients and families
• Strengthened local clinical leadership and care networks
• Raised the profile of palliative care at policy level in Pakistan

'We are proud to support the RCP’s global health work. It is incredibly rewarding to see the real, measurable impact our gift has made.'
Dr Yasmin Drabu

The Jeelani Drabu Palliative Care Programme stands as a powerful example of how philanthropy can honour a loved one while making a transformative difference for communities in need.

Established in the late 1980s through a generous endowed gift, the Sir William Perrin Lecture Series honours the life and values of Sir William Perrin. a devoted public servant and advocate for international understanding.

Each year, the Royal College of Physicians welcomes distinguished speakers from across the UK and global health systems to deliver the lecture, offering a high-profile platform to explore some of the most pressing challenges in medicine today. Themes have ranged from climate and health to decolonising global health, from ethical leadership to the fight for health equity, all chosen to spark dialogue, broaden perspectives, and inspire action.

Far more than an annual event, the series has become a catalyst for reflection and progress, encouraging physicians and healthcare leaders to confront complex issues and work collaboratively towards solutions.

'My father believed deeply in the power of international cooperation and public service. It means a great deal to our family that this lecture continues to reflect those values.'
Charles Perrin CBE, son of Sir William Perrin

The Sir William Perrin Lecture Series stands as a lasting example of how endowed philanthropy can create a platform for open dialogue, thought leadership, and global collaboration for generations to come.

Patients and carers bring vital insight to the way healthcare is designed and delivered. With thanks to a generous philanthropic gift from Dr Eric Watts FRCP, the RCP has been able to place these voices at the centre of our work through the expansion of our Patient Carer Network (PCN).

This diverse group of individuals with lived experience works alongside physicians to shape policy, guide priorities, and inform professional standards. Eric’s support has helped the network to grow in both size and diversity, providing members with training and support to share their perspectives confidently and effectively.

The impact can be seen across the RCP, from education programmes and policy development to our long-term strategy, ensuring that the patient voice is present where it matters most.

'I believe passionately that patients should be partners in the healthcare system, not just recipients of it. Supporting the PCN is my way of helping ensure that lived experience is valued and heard where it matters most.' 
Dr Eric Watts FRCP

Through Eric’s philanthropic support, the RCP is embedding patient and public involvement at the heart of professional medicine, setting a standard for healthcare organisations across the UK and beyond.

By creating opportunities for talented female physicians to develop their leadership skills, the Emerging Women Leaders Programme is shaping a more inclusive future for medicine. Established with the support of Lady Estelle Wolfson OBE, a passionate advocate for gender equality in healthcare, the programme combines structured leadership development, tailored mentoring, and peer support to empower early- and mid-career doctors.

Participants gain the confidence, skills, and networks to step into senior roles and influence the future of healthcare at the highest levels. Lady Estelle’s gift has enabled the RCP to champion equity and diversity in clinical leadership, dismantle barriers faced by women in medicine, and foster a growing community of capable, influential leaders driving change across the profession.

This initiative reflects the RCP’s belief that inclusive leadership is essential to a stronger, fairer health system where talent and potential are nurtured, wherever they are found.

Displayed at the heart of the Royal College of Physicians in London, the Linacre Wall is an inspiring tribute to those who support the future of medicine through philanthropy.

Named in honour of Thomas Linacre, physician to Henry VIII and founder of the RCP, the wall celebrates those whose generosity reflects the same spirit of vision and leadership. Each named brick commemorates a gift of £1,518 or more, a figure chosen to mark the year our Royal Charter was granted.

Whether made in your own name or in honour of someone who has inspired your medical journey, a Linacre Brick offers a visible, lasting, and deeply personal way to be part of the RCP’s enduring legacy. Donations can reflect the area of our work that matters most to you, from global health and education to flagship campaigns, heritage, or the area of greatest need.

'Dedicating a brick felt like a meaningful way to honour the profession that has shaped my life, and to give back to the next generation of physicians.'
Dr Amina Shah, Fellow of the RCP

We would be delighted to discuss how you can be part of the Linacre Wall and create your own place in the College’s history. To find out more about dedicating a Linacre Brick, get in touch with the Development Team.

Leaving a gift in your will is a powerful way to support lasting improvements in health and healthcare. Discover how you can create a legacy that benefits future generations of physicians.

Whether you choose to support a specific area of our work or give where the need is greatest, your legacy will be a lasting testament to your values and commitment to better health. To learn more about leaving a gift in your will, please visit our Legacy Giving page or contact our Development Team for a confidential conversation. 

Gift Aid (UK)

If you are a UK based taxpayer, you can increase the value of your donation by 25% through Gift Aid. For example, a donation of £1,000 can become £1,250 at no additional cost to you. Simply complete a Gift Aid Declaration when making your donation.

If you are a higher-rate or additional-rate taxpayer, you may also be able to claim personal tax relief on your donation via your self-assessment tax return, significantly reducing the net cost of your gift.

Giving from the US

Supporters based in the United States of America can make tax-deductible donations through our partner organisation, the British Schools & Universities Foundation (BSUF), a registered 501(c)(3) supporting transatlantic giving to UK institutions.

We are pleased to accept gifts of shares, which can be a highly tax-efficient way to give, often offering relief on both income and capital gains tax.

If you are considering making a gift through a Donor Advised Fund (DAF), we would be glad to work with you and your DAF representative to ensure your donation is recognised in a way that reflects your intentions.

We also welcome discussions about other types of gifts, such as matched funding, valuable artefacts, or gifts in kind. The RCP Museum  welcomes all types of donations related to the history of medicine, including instruments, equipment, photographs, artwork and medical teaching models.

To explore how to maximise the impact of your gift, or to request a personalised illustration of tax-efficient giving options, our Head of Philanthropy would be delighted to assist.