Legacy of cancer research pioneer
A PIONEER of cancer research in Wales has been remembered for his revolutionary work at the Velindre Cancer Centre.
Tribute has been paid to longstanding president of Cancer Research Wales, Professor John Moore, following his death aged 83.
Born in 1936 in Markham village in Caerphilly, Prof Moore was the first from his family and village to attend Cardiff University.
There, he cultivated an inquiring scientific mind and a quest to discover the unknown.
In the late 1950s, Prof Moore was given the opportunity to study for a doctorate with the worldleading Harwell Physics Laboratory in Oxfordshire.
It was during this time that he studied the biological effects of radiation on human cells – equipping him for his later role as scientific officer at the MRC Radiopathology Unit at Hammersmith Hospital in London.
There, he helped pioneer many of the modern laboratory techniques still used today.
Upon the opening of the radiation laboratories at Velindre Cancer Centre in 1966, Prof Moore returned to Wales. With his knowledge and expertise, he initiated a research programme with a special emphasis on radiotherapy but also including cancer immunology and medical pharmacology.
As one of Wales’ leading researchers, Prof Moore’s laboratory at Velindre Cancer Centre became one of the first establishments in the UK to secure research funding from the National Cancer Institute of America.
As most of the radiotherapy machines were used during the day for the treatment of patients, Prof Moore and his research team often had to work weekends, long evenings and overnight.
This hard work paid off with many significant advancements made in the field of radio-biology, which added to the understanding of how tumours respond when treated with radiation.
As an inspiration to everyone he met and also to those who worked for him, Prof Moore was appointed an honorary lecturer at Cardiff University. He was also made an honorary professor by the University of Wales in 1991. As a result of his supervision and mentoring, many went on to achieve great things as scientists, clinicians and civil servants.
Upon his retirement, Prof Moore remained very active with Cancer
Research Wales, serving as trustee, chairman on several occasions, and more recently, president.
Under his watch, his team masterminded the building of state-ofthe-art laboratories on the current Velindre site.
Ever since the creation of Cancer Research Wales, Prof Moore was a fundamental part of the charity and at the heart of everything it stood for. His passion, energy and commitment, right to the very end, set a wonderful example for everyone.
Prof Moore is survived by his wife Carol, sons Gavin and Robin and his five grandchildren, all of whom he adored.
He will be greatly missed by his family and the many friends and colleagues who had the pleasure of knowing and working with him over many years.