Backing Breakthroughs in Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) Disease via LAP Research
Simon is a longstanding supporter of LAP Research, a UK charity dedicated to funding pioneering research into diseases of the liver, pancreas, gallbladder and biliary system – collectively known as hepato‑pancreato‑biliary (HPB) disease. These conditions are often complex, under‑researched and life‑limiting, yet receive far less attention than other major disease areas.
Founded in 2009 by leading clinicians specialising in HPB medicine, they recognised the need for a charity dedicated to research into the wide range of conditions and illnesses that affect all of these organs, rather than focus on one particular organ or disease.
The need for focused research is acute. Deaths from liver disease have doubled in recent years, only 1% of people survive pancreatic cancer beyond ten years and pancreatic cancer is expected to become the fourth deadliest cancer in Britain by 2026. At the same time, cases of pancreatitis are increasing by nearly 3% each year, and there is currently no known cure. While other higher‑profile organs and diseases have benefited from sustained research investment and significant advances in prevention, diagnosis and treatment, the liver, pancreas and biliary system have not received comparable attention.
For Simon, supporting LAP Research reflects his long‑standing commitment to giving back, with a focus on improving health outcomes. By backing an expert‑led organisation dedicated to high‑quality medical research, he is proud to support work that delivers long‑term impact for patients and their families, particularly across under‑researched areas of medicine.
In 2025, Noble Champion (part of Simon’s racing venture TBT Racing) won at Royal Ascot. Simon donated his winnings to LAP Research. The donation came just weeks after he had sponsored LAP Research’s annual fundraising event for the second consecutive year, further underlining his commitment to the organisation and its mission.
