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\n Thank you to our Oxford Half Marathon runners! <\/div>\n \n\t\t
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We wanted to say a huge well done and thank you to our amazing 20 runners who hit the iconic streets of Oxford on a sunny Sunday in October to raise money for the charity by taking part in the sell out Oxford Half Marathon. The event is one of our favourites due to the supportive and positive atmosphere and because it is right on our doorstep! If\u00a0 you have been inspired by this year’s half, secure your spot for 2027 by emailing liz.ashworth@occtopus.org.uk.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n

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\n Could the gut\u2019s nervous system hold new clues to treating Crohn\u2019s disease? <\/div>\n \n\t\t
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Occtopus has funded researchers, led by Matthias Friedrich (pictured) at the Kennedy Institute are investigating whether the nervous system within the gut could provide a new way to understand and ultimately treat Crohn\u2019s disease. Crohn\u2019s disease is a long-term inflammatory bowel disease that affects about 1 in 300 people. A growing range of treatments, largely targeting the immune system, can help control inflammation. However, many people continue to experience recurring disease and some require surgery.\u00a0 Researchers at the Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, in collaboration with colleagues from the Nuffield Department of Medicine (NDM), and the Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences (NDS),…<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n

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\n Autumn update <\/div>\n \n\t\t
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It has been a busy Autumn so far for the charity. We attended the hugely interesting IBD Masterclass at Rhodes House, put on by Oxford University Hospitals, and heard from international experts on the causes of IBD and treatment options. Our Chair, Prof. Sir Neil Mortensen and Trustees Kat Baker and James East were all in attendance. It was great to catch up with members from the OUH colorectal nursing teams too.   We are also sponsoring the Kangaroo Pouch’s Information Day on all things stomas and pouches in October and we have been spending more time with the Consultants, Researchers…<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n

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\n Our Communications Manager goes to the Mayor of Abingdon’s signing out ceremony <\/div>\n \n\t\t
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On a sunny day in May, our Communications Manager, Liz Ashworth – who is the main point of contact for the charity – went to the Mayor of Abingdon’s signing out ceremony to officially accept the cheque from the Mayor for the money raised through her year in office. It was a special evening and we are incredibly grateful to outgoing Mayor, Rawda Jehanli, for all her efforts not only in fundraising but for raising awareness about the exceptional work being carried out at Churchill Hospital in Oxford and the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n

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\n What is robotic surgery and what is the robot used in colorectal surgery in Oxford? <\/div>\n \n\t\t
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Are you having robotic surgery? If you are due to have robotic surgery this blog is designed to explain what you can expect and help you understand what will be happening in the operating room during your surgery. Occtopus funded the purchase of a robot for the Churchill Hospital and we couldn\u2019t have done it without your donations so thank you to everyone who has supported us. What is robotic surgery? Robotic surgery is similar to keyhole surgery, where a surgeon uses small incisions into the body rather than a large open incision to perform an operation.\u00a0 With robotic surgery, miniature…<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n

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\n Mayor of Abingdon Visits Churchill Hospital After Raising \u00a36,000 For Occtopus! <\/div>\n \n\t\t
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The Mayor of Abingdon, Rawda Jehanli, recently visited Churchill Hospital, part of Oxford University Hospitals (OUH), to meet the colorectal clinical team and see the life-changing work being carried out with support from local charity Occtopus. The visit follows a successful fundraising campaign led by the Mayor during her mayoral term, which raised an incredible \u00a36,000 for Occtopus. During the visit, Mayor Jehanli met with members of the colorectal team to hear about the challenges faced by patients and the important role Occtopus plays in improving their experience and recovery.\u00a0 Speaking after the visit, Mayor Jehanli said: \u201cIt was a privilege…<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n

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\n Finding Yourself Again: Protecting Your Wellbeing <\/div>\n \n\t\t
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During Cancer Treatment A cancer diagnosis can change the rhythm of everyday life in an instant. Appointments, treatments, uncertainty, and physical changes can leave you feeling disconnected from the person you were before. But even during the hardest moments, your wellbeing still matters. Looking after your mental and emotional health is at the forefront of your care. It\u2019s not an extra. Fortunately, small acts of comfort, connection, movement, rest, and self-kindness can help you feel more grounded when so much feels uncertain. Today, we\u2019ll explore gentle, realistic ways to support your wellbeing during cancer diagnosis and treatment, while reminding you that…<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n

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\n We are funding a new nurse position! <\/div>\n \n\t\t
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We are excited to announce we are now part funding a new nursing role at OUH and we would like to share a warm welcome to Adeyemi. Adeyemi is a clinician researcher and research nurse specialising in colorectal surgery research, working closely with the Oxford Colorectal Surgery and Gastroenterology teams to deliver and support a growing portfolio of colorectal surgical studies. He graduated with honours from the University of Derby before completing post-graduate studies in research at King’s College London and currently play a key role in coordinating national and international colorectal studies locally from set-up, to recruitment through to follow-up…<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n

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\n IBS vs. IBD: Understanding the Key Differences <\/div>\n \n\t\t
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The terms Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) are often confused. Although they sound similar and can share similar symptoms, IBS and IBD are very different conditions with different causes, risks, and treatments. Understanding the distinction is important for getting the right care and managing symptoms effectively. What Is IBS? Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder. This means there is a problem with how the gut works, not with its structure. Common features of IBS: \u25cf Abdominal pain or cramping \u25cf Bloating and gas \u25cf Dioarrhea, constipation, or alternating between both \u25cf Symptoms that often…<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n\n<\/a>\n<\/div>","max_pages":10}