Artist donates portrait to surgeon after 40 years at Royal Marsden

Artist Ruth Swain has donated a portrait of surgeon Dr Gerald Gui to the Royal Marsden Hospital in Chelsea. The artwork commemorates Dr Gui's 40-year career at the hospital, where he has treated countless patients. Ms Swain, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012, was a patient of Dr Gui. She described him as having been "wonderful and explained everything really, really clearly" following her diagnosis.

The portrait is now displayed on the hospital's main staircase, positioned near a portrait of its founder, Dr William Marsden. Ms Swain, who is based in Oxford, said she felt "so grateful" to Dr Gui for his care. She underwent surgery to remove the cancer, and has been cancer-free for almost 15 years. She has continued to see Dr Gui for check-ups over the past 14 years.

A patient's gratitude

Ms Swain's donation comes after she and fellow artist Paul Starns developed an exhibition in October 2025. This exhibition featured portraits of 16 individuals, including Dr Gui, who had breast cancer or were connected to someone who had. The project aimed to show "that there was hope", Ms Swain told BBC London. She described Dr Gui as "such an amazing man and he's so committed to what he does."

Dr Gui, who is a consultant breast surgeon, said he was "touched" to be chosen as a subject for the portrait exhibition. He described the artwork as "magnificent". He also participates in fundraising events for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. On Saturday, he joined the Thames Towpath Challenge, where he and colleagues raised just over £9,000. Dr Gui will also mark 40 years with the NHS in 2026.