Sir David Haslam will take up the role in January.

CLIC Sargent has appointed a new chair to its board of trustees.

Professor Sir David Haslam will take up the role at the cancer support charity in January after current chair Peter Hollins steps down.

Sir David was a GP for 36 years and was later president and chairman of Council of the Royal College of General Practitioners, president of the British Medical Association, and a vice-chair of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges.

He was diagnosed with cancer of the tonsil in 2018, an experience which he says motivated him to join CLIC Sargent.

He said: “I once calculated that in my career as a doctor I had carried out about a quarter of a million consultations, including all too many with remarkable children and young people with cancer.

“I’m embarrassed to say that it was only after my own recent personal experience of cancer that I first fully understood what the experience of treatment might really be like. Clinicians, parents, patients, and families all have expertise. All need support. It’s a tough area, but it’s one where we can really make a difference.

“Having cancer is bad enough. Experiencing it as a child or young person can be devastating, and the emotional and practical consequences affect entire families.”

Kate Lee, CLIC Sargent chief executive, said she was “absolutely delighted” to welcome Sir David to the charity.

She added: “He brings with him a wealth of NHS knowledge and networks which will help us on our mission to make sure that everyone diagnosed with cancer under-25 gets the support they need.”

Outgoing chair Mr Hollins had been with CLIC Sargent for six years.

He said: “It has been a huge privilege to have been chair of this fantastic charity which has done what it has for young lives affected by cancer. I have met so many inspiring children and young people. I will miss both them and the amazing CLIC Sargent team enormously.”