Alan Rickman's widow on pancreatic cancer fundraising draw

Alan Rickman's widow, Rima Horton, is spearheading a prize draw to raise vital funds for pancreatic cancer research. The initiative honors the actor, who passed away from the disease in 2016 at the age of 69. The grand prize is a collection of seven Harry Potter books, each autographed by twelve prominent cast members, including Rupert Grint and Ralph Fiennes.

Horton emphasized the critical need for early diagnosis, explaining that pancreatic cancer's high mortality rate is due to symptoms often being detected too late. The funds raised from the draw are intended to support the development of a breath test, a potential diagnostic tool for early detection in doctor's offices. Rickman, who played Severus Snape, lived for six months after his diagnosis, with chemotherapy offering a limited extension of his life.

The prize draw is accepting donations until Sunday, March 1, 2026. Participants can enter with a minimum donation of £5. Each year, approximately 10,800 people in the UK are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, a disease with an average life expectancy of just three months post-diagnosis.