By Edward Kemp

A LEADING scientist from Salisbury has received an early Christmas present of £1million on behalf of Cancer Research UK.

Dr Andrew Davies received the money raised by shoppers and staff at Morrisons, who have been raising money for Cancer Research UK since April this year through their ‘Raise a Smile’ campaign.

The money will help Cancer Research UK to fund the research of Dr Davies, a senior lecturer in medical oncology at the University of Southampton, who specialises in the treatment of patients with lymphoma.

Dr Davies, who is also an honorary consultant at Southampton University Hospitals Trust, is researching new ways to treat the cancer, which affects the lymphatic system, and predict how patients will respond to treatments.

On receiving the ‘Christmas present’ on behalf of Cancer Research UK at Morrisons store in Westbury, Dr Davies said: “It is an honour to represent Cancer Research UK, and all cancer patients who have benefited from research, to receive this £1 million gift and say thank you on their behalf to everyone at Morrisons.”

Paul Farthing, director of high value relationships at Cancer Research UK, also thanked those involved for their efforts.

“We have been overwhelmed and delighted with the tremendous response from both staff and customers at Morrisons to the ‘Raise a Smile’ fundraising campaign,” he said.

“Their hard work has given Cancer Research UK the best present we could have hoped for this Christmas.”