The institute’s director, Prof Greg Hannon, said the grant would “greatly aid the recruitment of top-tier international talent”.

He said: “In a golden era for life sciences, this funding bolsters Cambridge as a major global hub for cancer research.

“Only through understanding all aspects of the disease can we prevent, detect and treat cancer so that everybody can lead longer, better lives, free from fear of cancer.”

It is hoped the funding will help the institute find new ways to transform the lives of patients.

Ms Carey, who said there was no cure for her cancer, wanted to push for patients to be involved with, and have a say in, the direction of research.