Some thoughts on a busy week

This past week has been about a lot of different things.  As always at this time of year we have been preparing to launch our awareness activities during April.  Our campaign to Lift the Lid will, we hope, get people talking about one of the last taboos in society.  It uses our typical approach, using toilet seats and a little humour to try and get people to talk.

But, the last week has also been about other things, such as: men and bowel cancer; the way in which the "new" NHS structures work, or don't, for bowel cancer patients; how to get our other campaigns and fundraising plans to be more effective; and a host of internal issues concerned with running a busy charity trying to "punch above its weight".  But, every day I keep coming back to one thing - how can we do more?

The challenge for a charity our size - with a comparatively small income compared to other cancer charities - is how to grow to help more people.  I want to get to more people because I see the great work we do. Gary, one of our Helpline nurses, said it well:

"I believe I am affecting lives for the better. When someone calls the helpline, I am able to give them a listening ear, informed advice and as much time as they need. I feel privileged to be part of the work of Beating Bowel Cancer and to be able to provide this essential support to people at what can often be a time of crisis.”