A decade since Harry Potter icon Alan Rickman tragically passed away aged 69, his widow Rima Horton is doing her best to raise funds for the charity Pancreatic Cancer UK. Statistically, it’s the fifth-most lethal form of cancer, killing close to 10,000 people in Britain every year and an expected 52,000 Stateside citizens in 2025 alone. Those who are obese, smoke, or have diabetes are at the most risk, plus anybody over the age 55. Only 25% of patients survive past 12 months, with Rickman dying six months after his diagnosis.
Horton, who was married to the actor for just four years even though they’d been together since the 1970s, appeared on BBC Breakfast yesterday (January 27) to share a few words about her late husband, and spread the good word of the charity and its ambition to flip the script.
“He had so much more to give. There were so many more things he could have done. The biggest problem is that by the time that people find out they’ve got [pancreatic cancer], it’s too late. The symptoms are so difficult to work out. What we’re trying to do is raise money for a breathalyzer test which could provide an early diagnosis.”
This came two weeks after the charity announced via Instagram a “once in a lifetime prize” for anybody who donated at least £5. “We’re giving you the chance to win a complete set of all seven Harry Potter hardback books, signed by 12 iconic cast members from the film series,” it wrote. “This extraordinary prize draw is inspired by the legacy of Alan Rickman, whose legendary portrayal of the iconic Professor Snape captivated audiences worldwide. 10 years on since he died from pancreatic cancer, we’re raising vital funds in his memory to change the future for everyone affected by this devastating disease.”
Signatures include those of Ralph Fiennes (who portrayed Lord Voldemort), Emma Thompson (Professor Trelawney), Helena Bonham Carter (Bellatrix Lestrange), Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley), and Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom).
‘Harry Potter’ Star Was a Charitable Guy Himself
Meanwhile, Rickman’s own charitable nature was revealed by his Potter colleague Tom Felton earlier this month. Speaking to The Guardian, the Draco Malcoy star recalled how his regular scene partner would sneak terminally ill kids onto set to give them and their families a special day out.
“He would often have half a dozen people visit the studio each day, and would claim they were his cousins or friends. Really, he was offering terminally ill children and their families a chance to see behind the curtains.”
His magical gesture went even deeper, though, as the Severus Snape actor would apparently communicate with the visitors in character. Felton noted how he’d “sneer at them in front of their parents” and “clip them round the ear.” What a man.
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