Thirty years after the death of entertainer Roy Castle, his widow, Fiona, has paid tribute to his lasting impact in raising awareness about lung cancer. Castle, a beloved British entertainer, passed away in 1994 at the age of 62 after being diagnosed with lung cancer, despite never being a smoker.
Raising Awareness About Lung Cancer
Best known as the presenter of the popular BBC children’s show Record Breakers, Castle was also a skilled trumpeter, dancer, and comedian, whose career spanned over three decades. His lung cancer diagnosis in 1992 shocked many, as Castle attributed his illness to the years he spent playing the trumpet in smoky jazz clubs early in his career. “While playing the trumpet in smoky rooms, I inhaled great gulps of air… you have to fill your lungs,” he said in a documentary about his condition.
Determined to use his experience to help others, Castle became a vocal advocate for lung cancer awareness. He raised over £1 million through various charity events, including a memorable “Tour of Hope” shortly before his death in September 1994, just two days after his 62nd birthday.
A Lasting Impact
Dr. Emma O’Dowd, a Consultant Respiratory Physician at Nottingham University NHS Trust, described Castle’s contribution as a “phenomenal legacy.” The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, established in his name, has played a pivotal role in supporting lung cancer patients and promoting early screening for the disease. The foundation was also a key force in advocating for the 2007 law banning smoking in enclosed public spaces, a significant public health achievement.
Fiona Castle expressed her pride in the foundation’s achievements and its ongoing work in educating the public about the dangers of smoking and vaping. “We wanted to make people aware of the danger of smoking, and I think we still have to continue that today with vaping,” she said. While the long-term effects of vaping remain unclear, she cautioned, “Don’t even take it up.”