Caroline's Blog

We are sailing. The Christie is conquering the seas thanks to the Checkmate Sailing Team which has named its boat in our honour.

We are privileged to have had many things named in support of The Christie over the years, but this is the first time a boat has been named after us.  And we’ve hopefully brought them luck as the team won Scotland’s most prestigious sailing event – the Brewin Dolphin Scottish Series – on the waters of Loch Fyne this weekend.

The team’s Skipper Nigel Biggs, a former member of the Scottish 470 Olympic squad in the early 1990s, chose to rename the 35 foot boat as a way of saying thank-you for the care his father received for prostate cancer.

This brilliant team has more races over July and August and here's to even more wins. I'll keep you updated as the Christie sails the seas. Land Ahoy ! 

www.checkmatesailing.com

I was reminded of what beautiful buildings we have in Manchester on Friday evening.

We held our Gala Dinner to mark the end of the Organisation of European Cancer Institutes (OECI) Conference which we hosted. The event included a civic reception hosted by the new Lord Mayor in the majestic Town Hall with the dinner itself in the stunning Manchester Art Gallery. The venues were grand and I felt proud, and I know our European guests were impressed.

The conference has been a success, providing an opportunity for us to showcase some of the innovative research and exciting developments taking place here as well as learn about important advances taking place across the continent. The more we share, the more we learn, and the more we learn the better we can treat and care for our patients.

John Stapleton, the award-winning TV presenter and journalist was the special presenter at our Gala Dinner. A national personality who's also a local Oldham-lad and a fantastic supporter of the Christie. John and his wife Lynn Fauld-Woods came up from London just to support the dinner and were fabulous company.

And the entertainment provided by the Duffy Brothers and Canzonetta children's choir was superb. But we all know 'Manchester's got talent'.

It may have rained for most of the four-day conference, reinforcing any European stereotypes about our weather, but the people and places showed the real reason why there's a 'Greater' in Greater Manchester.

Tom Buckley died on Wednesday.  He was a patient, fundraiser and friend.  And an incredible young man who moved and inspired so many.  He was just 24 years old. A tragic reminder of how cruel cancer can be, but also a reminder of how brightly someone can shine in their life.

Tom was diagnosed with cancer of the eye when he was just 2 weeks old. He went blind in one eye but lived a healthy life for the next 19 years. But while studying economics at university his cancer returned and spread.

Knowing his cancer was terminal Tom set about fundraising for The Christie.  He undertook a sponsored walk last Christmas. Not just any walk but a grueling 180 miles coast to coast - battling through blizzards, snow drifts, freezing temperatures and pouring rain for 18 days - and all to raise money for others. When he set off he was not sure he would even be able to finish - but Tom's attitude and courage touched the nation. The response in terms of good wishes and admiration helped him raise over £100,000.

Everyone here is really upset that Tom has passed away. I spent time with him over the last 12 months and his modesty, courage and determination both humbled and moved me.  We were so proud of him when we gave him a special Christie award in December in honour of his fundraising, and so proud of him when he won Mancunian of the Year Award earlier this February.

I will miss him and never forget him.  All our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.

You have spoken. 100,000 voices were resounding in Number 10 Downing Street yesterday.  Voices on a petition that sums up the generosity, determination and spirit of the good people of the North West, and all demanding that the government helps secure the return of the charity’s £6.5 million.

50 people carried the 100,000 strong petition down to London yesterday. A group of passionate patients and gutsy supporters.  They detoured on the way to meet David Cameron who wanted to meet them to give his support and then met up with 14 local MPs from all parties to walk into the most famous street in Britain.

They’ve all said that it was an emotional, tiring, exhilarating and meaningful day. Some of these people have heartbreaking stories and some uplifting stories.  But whatever the story, everyone has a commitment and courage that is inspiring in itself. 

People have been supporting The Christie for over 100 years, but our supporters have shone brighter than ever over the last two months. 

You have spoken and let’s hope people listen.

I had the honour of speaking at a Chamber of Commerce business women’s lunch last week.  Whenever I’m invited to speak at these events I’m always asked to talk about my career as a personal as well as professional journey.  It’s a good reminder that people are always interested in the ‘real’ person behind the organisation, and how they feel emotionally about their job as well as well as intellectually.

But actions speak louder than words, and when I talk about juggling my work and home life it always spurs me on to squeeze in that lunch with an old friend and decline a late work invitation to have dinner with my husband instead and put my children to bed.

And it’s strange how my two lives can merge and impact on each other. Two family friends have recently had bad news about their cancer prognosis.  When people you care about are in trouble you can sometimes feel helpless. I’m so used to being in control that when I can’t help family and friends I feel frustrated and upset.  My sister-in-law is one of life’s wonderful people. A kind-hearted, warm, funny, loving person. She’s battled with heartache in her life, but her generous spirit and positive nature has always shone through.  Its people like her that keep me emotionally focused, both in and out of work.