I don't wish this to be like a "round robin" letter, but
in taking stock of the past year I can now see that it has been incredible.
More people are aware of bowel cancer, Beating Bowel Cancer has helped more
people, we have been closely involved in improving outcomes patients and
developments in screening as a result of our campaigning. We can celebrate a
real year of achievements.
This year we have, together, raised more
awareness - on the streets, in newspapers, local and national radio, through
events and campaigning, and much more. In so doing more people have heard the
words "bowel cancer", perhaps for the first time, and more people
will have got the message that it is serious, but beatable. As we look to
next year we can expect that some of them will spot the symptoms and get diagnosed
earlier as a result - potentially saving their life.
We have also delivered support to more
people affected by bowel cancer, with our Nurse Helpline (the UK's only nurse helpline for
bowel cancer patients) often being a lifeline for those facing gruelling
treatments, but also helping those worried about symptoms that scare them. Our
Patient Day was another resounding success, with more attending than ever
before. Patients tell us that they’re ‘stronger together’ and giving people the
opportunity to support each other is right at the heart of what we do. The day
remains a very special one in our annual calendar. We also reached out to the
many fantastic nurses around the UK, with a national conference for colorectal
nurses in London in September and a study day for nurses interested in bowel
cancer in Glasgow in November.
In April, bowel cancer awareness month, we
focused on improving screening methods, identifying inconsistencies and calling
for the immediate introduction of an easier to do more sensitive test. It
was gratifying when Public Health England responded so positively and announced
a pilot. At the same time we launched our "Lift the Lid"
message to get everyone talking about bowel cancer and had a phenomenal take up
- with celebrities and leading politicians joining the conversation.
We also continued our focus on the need
for cancer patients to get the drugs that their doctor says are vital to help
them extend their lives and improve the quality of their lives. We have
been at the heart of a coalition of cancer charities pressing for a sustainable
solution that guarantees these drugs will go on being delivered. As we
end the year it appears that we are being listened to and both the Coalition
government and the Labour Opposition have now pledged that new cancer drugs and
treatments should receive funding. Now we need to work to ensure that how
this is done is in the best interests of bowel cancer patients.
And let's not forget it being an amazing
year of fundraising - it's what charities do to ensure we can go on doing what
we are here for. Individuals right across the UK, and quite a few from
overseas, have supported us through their efforts. Thank you. Every
one of you. It is humbling to have your support for what many of you have
called "a great charity". I took part too - in that wet and
wild Ride London in the tail end of a hurricane. As a result I got the
cycling bug and a whole lot fitter.
We have also suffered many losses - too
many friends have been taken by bowel cancer. We also had the dreadful shock of
losing our colleague and Beating Bowel Cancer nurse Gary Logue. We will
remember them as the new year starts.
We know we have much more to do. We’re looking forward to making
even greater progress in 2015 which wouldn’t be possible without your support.
You have all been amazing - it is a privilege to work with you.
Season’s Greetings and I wish you all a peaceful festive season.
Mark X
