Foreign Sisters was founded by Lady Palumbo in 2007 under the umbrella of Cancer Research UK's National Events Committee. Their objective is to mobilise a dynamic and powerful group of high-profile international women in the UK, to raise awareness of Cancer Research UK's vision and to help make it a reality by supporting the vital work of its scientists and doctors.
Over the past 17 years, Foreign Sisters has:
raised over £3.1m for Cancer Research UK
£1m of which to fund a laboratory of their own within the Francis Crick Institute
The Foreign Sisters now raise vital funds for our future leaders programme which invests in the rising stars of scientific research, supporting them to make new discoveries, drive progress in tests and treatments, and offer hope to people affected by cancer everywhere.
The Lily of the Valley is the emblem of the Foreign Sisters. This May flower represents the renewed hope that Cancer Research UK offers each time a breakthrough is achieved and symbolises the friendship and community of Foreign Sisters. Follow the Foreign Sisters on Instagram.
In May 2025, 300 guests attended the annual Foreign Sisters Lunch at the Royal Opera House, sponsored by Maison CELINE and raising over £600k+ for life-saving cancer research. Guests enjoyed a drinks reception on the beautiful terrace overlooking Covent Garden, followed by a two-course lunch in the stunning Paul Hamlyn Hall.
Guests heard from inspirational speaker the Duchess of York, who shared her own personal experience of cancer and how vital the funding of scientific research is. The funds raised at the 2025 Lunch will support and nurture early-career researchers, allowing them to build a strong foundation of knowledge and skills at a pivotal point in their development.
guests attended the annual Foreign Sisters Lunch at the Royal Opera House.
raised for life-saving cancer research.
fundraised over the past 17 years.
Lunch 2007: hosted at the River Café, sponsored by Harry Winston, £18,000 raised
Lunch 2008: hosted at Nobu Berkeley, sponsored by Harry Winston and Hardy Amies, £48,000 raised
Lunch 2009: hosted at the home of Doris Riachy, £19,000 raised
Lunch 2010: hosted at Bluebird, £48,000 raised
Lunch 2011: hosted at The Savoy, sponsored by N.OOR Jewellery, Noor Fares and Liza Bruce, £134,000 raised
Lunch 2012: hosted at The Dorchester, sponsored by Avakian, £120,000 raised
Lunch 2013: hosted at The Dorchester, sponsored by House of Worth, £90,000 raised
Lunch 2014: hosted at Phillips, Howick Place, sponsored by DIOR, £160,000 raised
Lunch 2015: hosted at the Royal Opera House, sponsored by DIOR, £220,000 raised 10th Anniversary Celebration Dinner 2016: hosted at Banqueting House, Whitehall, sponsored by DIOR, £300,000 raised
Lunch 2017: hosted at One Marylebone, sponsored by Chanel, Phillips and Value Retail, £237,725 raised
Lunch 2018: hosted at Landmark London, sponsored by Pomellato, £203,000 raised
Lunch 2019: hosted at the Royal Opera House, sponsored by Pomellato, £160,000 raised
Lunch 2022: hosted at the Royal Opera House, £166,000 raised
Lunch 2023: hosted at the Royal Opera House, sponsored by Maison Valentino, £270,000 raised
Lunch 2024: hosted at the Royal Opera House, sponsored by Maison Valentino, £270,000 raised
Lunch 2025: hosted at the Royal Opera House, sponsored by Maison CELINE, £600k+ raised
Harry Winston
Hardy Amies
N.OOR Jewellery
Noor Fares
Liza Bruce
Avakian
House of Worth
DIOR
Chanel
Phillips
Value Retail
Pomellato
Maison Valentino
Maison Celine
If you have a question or you’d like to learn more about the Foreign Sisters Annual Lunch, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
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