Rebellious hope and a cup of coffee – two years of the Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer Research UK
This morning, while making my second cup of coffee with my new favourite mug, I found myself thinking about Dame Deborah James and her message of ‘rebellious hope’. Known as Bowelbabe, she was a brilliant and bright campaigner for people affected by cancer who inspired so many of us.
Today marks two years since Deborah launched the Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer Research UK. On 9 May 2022, she announced her aim to raise ￡250k and “give one final F*** YOU to cancer”. She never stopped smashing goals or taboos. When she died, seven precious weeks and one damehood later, the Fund had raised ￡7m. She was SO proud. Now, thanks to the generosity of so many, the total has almost doubled to over ￡13m.
To achieve this, we’ve worked alongside Deborah’s family:
·?????? We evolved the brand to continue her legacy and keep shining.
·?????? We’ve launched two Facebook challenges that raised over ￡250k.
·?????? We’ve recently announced two new partnerships with Emma Bridgewater and Omaze and so far, we’ve raised over ￡1m together.
·?????? April is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month. This year, we had 600 pieces of press coverage, encouraging people to check their poo! And Alistair, Deborah’s father, led our call to the UK Government to do more to support early cancer diagnosis so everybody can live longer, better lives.
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And when I say ‘we’, I mean practically every team across Cancer Research UK: Partnerships, Talent, Legal, PR, Social, Marketing, Health Information, Science Engagement, Fundraising Compliance, Giving Platforms, Supporter Services, Trading, Media Volunteer Liaison, Creative, Fundraising Products and many more. I know that my colleagues are as proud as I am to be part of this journey.
On a personal note, the Fund launched during my 50th birthday celebrations. This felt especially poignant, as I knew that Deborah would not make hers. Today, through the Fund, her legacy lives on. Already, we have committed ￡10.8m to work Deborah would be passionate about. These pioneering projects range from developing precision treatments to stop cancer’s spread to using AI-enhanced blood tests to detect bowel cancer sooner.
The Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer Research UK is giving more people more time with the people they love.
So, on this anniversary, I’m returning to my desk with my Bowelbabe Fund Emma Bridgewater mug and my rebellious hope refilled. I’m inspired to go further, for Deborah, her family and everyone affected by cancer.
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Recruitment Specialist @ Crayon Consulting | HR, Recruiting
6 个月Hi All, so sorry to barge in like this. My brother is battling with Osteo sarcoma cancer and we are raising funds for his treatment. If you have time, request you to please go through this and donate as much as you can - https://milaap.org/fundraisers/support-chunchu-jagjeeth?utm_source=whatsapp&utm_medium=fundraisers-title&mlp_referrer_id=9546374
Senior Social Media Officer at Cancer Research UK (CRUK)
6 个月This is so so lovely Caro! Love the cover image!
Director of Income Generation at Young Minds
6 个月Thanks Caro Evans for this. A poignant read ??
Communications Director
6 个月What a legacy Debs left, Caro. And such brilliant collaborative work right across CRUK to ensure she still has impact and her family are supported. Well done to you and everyone involved xx
CEO & Founder of Louis Kennedy. Facilitating partnerships between brands, retailers, charities and rights owners. Campaigns and consultancy that have raised over ￡250M, delivering measurable ESG impact and social good.
6 个月Caro Evans - Lauren Mahon has lost too many of her closest friends to this wretched disease. Let's take a moment to all remember Kris Hallenga who lost her own fight this week. CRUK's work has never been more vital. Stars shine bright in dark skies.