A year of achievements

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