The charity began life in 1986 under the name of the Hodgkin’s Disease Association. At that time, information about lymphomas was limited and difficult to access, and so a group of people led by lymphoma patient, Tim Hilder, decided to set up an organisation that provided vital information about lymphatic cancer to patients, their families and friends.
As well as producing this information, the group decided to set up the first-ever dedicated lymphoma helpline, which was staffed initially by them in their own homes. However, demand for the helpline grew rapidly – as did the Association’s staffing levels.
In 1994, it was agreed that the charity should change its name - as many non-Hodgkin patients were not sure as to whether the Association’s services were available to them. After the AGM that year, the HDA became the ‘Hodgkin’s Disease and Lymphoma Association’. A year later, the Vinca (periwinkle) was chosen as the Association’s logo because of the use of one of its derivatives as an ingredient in treatment for lymphoma. The use of this symbol continues to this day.
The charity changed its name for the final time in 1997, and became what it is now known as – the Lymphoma Association. It is still the only specialist UK charity that provides accurate medical information and support to lymphatic cancer patients, their families and friends.
