Caroline's Blog

I have just read one of the most inspirational leadership books for a long time.  

The Language of Leaders by Kevin Murray examines how top chief executives communicate to inspire, influence and achieve results.  

Kevin interviewed 60 chairs and chief executives of top organisations and they revealed what they had learned about communicating in the age of transparency.  The book is very easy to read, but so enlightening and thought provoking and gives some real practical tips on how to become a better leader. 

Even more amazing is that I contacted Kevin direct by email and was delighted that he responded.  This ended up in arranging a phone conversation to discuss themes from his book and how I could become a better chief executive.  How amazing that someone who wrote such a fantastic book had the time to email and speak to me personally.  Perhaps that's why Kevin is such a fantastic leader himself.

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Everyday at The Christie, there seems to be something to be thankful for. This time, the thank you I really must give is to our tribute fundraisers. Their hard work and generous donations makes so many things happen.

In March 2009, we set up our online Hope Tribute Funds so that families and friends raising money in memory of a loved one could have a place to share memories, photos and tributes. At the same time, we created a very special sculptured bronze tree called the Tree of Hope, to give recognition to tribute funds over more than £15,000. The tree now displays more than 100 engraved bronze leaves in memory of past patients and supporters. 

Tribute Funds can start off with donations in lieu of flowers and can grow over time by making donations, taking part in fundraising events, setting up a direct debit donation or even buying a 'virtual leaf' to remember birthdays and anniversaries. This is such a special way of fundraising, close to so many of our supporters' hearts.

This month we have reached a milestone with the amount of funds raised from the Tree of Hope reaching £5m. That incredible figure speaks for itself and makes me feel incredibly proud.

The world, not to mention the UK, has certainly seen some tough financial times of late. This fundraising example shows the true strength of people's dedication.

A sincere thank you to everyone - supporters and staff alike - for your unstinting support and ongoing fundraising efforts. It's thanks to you that we are able to provide such good care for patients, and also undertake so much research to help people in the future.

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The new year is well and truly with us, and I am immensely excited about moving our 20:20 Vision campaign forward with gusto. We have less than three months left to gather views from all of those with an interest in cancer and The Christie, and I am absolutely committed to ensuring as many people as possible have the chance to influence our vision for the future.

After a period of reflection over the Christmas period, this week we are having several internal meetings to finalise plans for the next phase in the campaign.

As part of these plans, a small team are out and about in the hospital at various times asking patients and carers their opinions. The team will be wearing promotional t-shirts - if you see them do stop for five minutes if you can. I must take the opportunity to say a huge thank you to one of our volunteers who is giving up their time to help us.

Then, from January 16, we will start to visit towns across Greater Manchester and Cheshire to ask the public what they think. Again, the team will be wearing Christie t-shirts, so will be instantly recognisable. If you see a member of the team in your neighbourhood, do please take the time to give your views.

In the meantime, Manchester Business School is starting to analyse the first batch of responses. I can't wait to hear about the key themes.

As I have said before, this engagement exercise is extremely important. Your views will help us to shape how we do things in the future - and this will affect tens of thousands of patients, plus their families. If you have an interest in cancer services, please do get involved. I look forward to hearing from you.

To take part please log onto our website www.christie.nhs.uk, or contact us on email 2020vision@christie.nhs.uk by 31 March 2012.

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It was very moving to hear the story of one of our patients, Rebecca Fitzgibbon, in the press last week. Rebecca was just 15 when she was diagnosed with a rare form of brain tumour. Instead of letting her illness get her down, Rebecca channelled her energy into music which she says helped her stay positive. Rebecca has now recorded a song to raise money for our Young Oncology Unit. Like so many of the people who are treated here, she really is an inspiration.

Our staff work exceptionally hard to support the emotional wellbeing of our patients, and we have many facilities on site which aim to improve their experience. One such example is the art room, which is part of a new suite opened recently to help patients better cope with the emotional effects of their cancer. A number of patients who have found solace in art are holding an exhibition at Turners Gallery in Stockport later this month. It is the first time those involved in art here have collectively exhibited their paintings in a public place, and I am really excited about seeing the show. Like music, painting can be very therapeutic, and can be a way of escape for many people.  It is also very accessible, and some of our patients have found they have a real talent.

Patients tell us that the services we provide here at The Christie to support emotional wellbeing are hugely important. It's thanks to our staff that we are able to provide such a good service, many of whom came in over the festive period to ensure services continue as normal. It's also thanks to the generosity of people who fundraise for our charity which enables many of these additional wellbeing services to run. As we enter the New Year I want to say a huge thank you to our staff, supporters and patients for your continued inspiration.

• To download Rebecca Fitzgibbon's song log onto: www.facebook.com/standinginthelight

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