At a Glance
- Rima Horton partners with Pancreatic Cancer UK to fund a breath-alyzer test for early diagnosis.
- A charity prize drawing features all seven Harry Potter hardcover books signed by cast members.
- The effort follows the 10-year anniversary of Alan Rickman‘s death from pancreatic cancer.
Why it matters: The campaign highlights the urgent need for early detection tools in a disease that kills more than 50,000 people annually.
Alan Rickman’s widow, Rima Horton, appeared on BBC Breakfast on Tuesday, Jan. 27 to honor the 10-year anniversary of her husband’s death from pancreatic cancer. She used the platform to promote a charity prize drawing aimed at raising funds for Pancreatic Cancer UK’s breath-alyzer test, a potential early-diagnosis tool.
Rima Horton Reflects on Rickman’s Legacy
Horton, 78, spoke about her late husband’s impact on the world. “He had so much more to give. There were so many more things he could have done,” she said. The BBC interview, captured by News Of Los Angeles, also highlighted how chemotherapy extended his life expectancy to six months, though it did not cure the disease.
Horton emphasized the difficulty of recognizing pancreatic cancer early. “The biggest problem is that by the time people find out they’ve got it, it’s too late,” she said. “The symptoms are so difficult to work out. What we’re trying to do is raise money for a breathalyzer test which could provide an early diagnosis.”
Pancreatic Cancer UK Initiative
Pancreatic Cancer UK announced a unique charity prize drawing. The event will feature a set of all seven Harry Potter hardcover books, each signed by cast members such as Rupert Grint, Helena Bonham Carter, Ralph Fiennes, Emma Thompson, and Matthew Lewis. The signed books will be entered into a drawing for fans and supporters.
The organization’s Instagram post read: “Ten years on since he died from pancreatic cancer, we’re raising vital funds in his memory to change the future for everyone affected by this devastating disease.”
How the Fundraising Works
- Entry: Fans can purchase a ticket to enter the prize drawing.
- Prize: The winner receives the signed Harry Potter set.
- Proceeds: All ticket sales go directly to Pancreatic Cancer UK to fund the breath-alyzer research.
Harry Potter Stars Join the Cause
Several of Rickman’s fellow Harry Potter actors paid tribute on social media. Daniel Radcliffe called him “one of the greatest actors I will ever work with” and “one of the loyalest and most supportive people I’ve ever met in the film industry.”
Emma Thompson, Rickman’s co-star in Love Actually, described him as the “ultimate ally” and noted that “most in this moment of painful leave-taking is his humour, intelligence, wisdom and kindness.”
These tributes helped amplify the fundraising campaign and drew additional attention to the cause.
Pancreatic Cancer Statistics
The American Cancer Society reports that in 2026, over 67,500 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and over 52,700 will die from the disease. The organization notes that pancreatic cancer accounts for about 3% of all cancers in the U.S. and about 8% of all cancer deaths.
Lifetime risk is approximately 1 in 56 for men and 1 in 60 for women. Early detection is key to reducing the risk of death, especially for those with high-risk features or genetic predispositions.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Diagnoses in 2026 | 67,500 |
| Deaths in 2026 | 52,700 |
| Share of all cancers | 3% |
| Share of cancer deaths | 8% |
| Lifetime risk (men) | 1 in 56 |
| Lifetime risk (women) | 1 in 60 |
Community Tributes
Rickman died at the age of 69 on Jan. 14, 2016. The family kept his diagnosis private until his passing. A statement released by News Of Los Angeles at the time said, “he was surrounded by family and friends.”
In the months after his death, many of his colleagues and fans shared heartfelt messages online, underscoring his legacy in both film and philanthropy.
Key Takeaways
- Rima Horton is leading a fundraising effort on the 10-year anniversary of Rickman’s death.
- The campaign partners with Pancreatic Cancer UK to fund a breath-alyzer test for early diagnosis.
- A charity prize drawing featuring signed Harry Potter books drives ticket sales.
- The initiative highlights the critical need for early detection in a disease that claims more than 50,000 lives each year.
By leveraging Rickman’s legacy and the collective support of the film community, the campaign aims to bring hope to those battling pancreatic cancer.
