Our Chair, Professor Neil Mortensen, has featured in an article on Charities Network commenting on the opportunity, challenge and change for UK charity leaders. His full comment on this can be seen on the article link below and we have included it below. Thanks for Steven Hopkins at Charities Network for featuring us.
Professor Neil Mortensen, Chair, Occtopus
About Occtopus
The Oxford Colon Cancer Trust pioneers new treatments for colorectal cancer, colitis and Crohn’s and influences how they are treated across the NHS and funds breakthrough national and international research to improve patient outcomes and care.
Opportunity: Leading research and improving treatment
“I am most excited about leading the future of research in IBD and colorectal cancer and improving patient treatment, care and outcomes by creating a centre of excellence at the Churchill Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals.”
Challenge: Education
“Colorectal cancer and IBD is not a very easy subject to talk about publicly or to present a case for funding. Getting access to donors who understand the importance of these groups of diseases in a crowded “marketplace” is a huge challenge for us.”
Change: Digital strategy and engagment
“Carrying out clinical research during Covid was very difficult and we have a much better understanding of the needs and research focus of the Oxford team now. Also, in an increasingly digital world of fundraising, we have shifted our focus towards a more targeted digital strategy. Our past patient supporters also found Covid difficult, and we are re-engaging with them to let them know what we are supporting and fundraising for.”