Jackie Stands Down
It was more than a decade ago that Jackie launched OOSO. With no previous experience of running a charity she researched what building blocks were required; how to put them together; and down-sized her property in order to finance the early days of getting OOSO established.
The main aim of OOSO has always been to provide support to patients and their carers. In the early days Jackie achieved this with no extra help. The scope of her contribution can be assesed by viewing the map of patient codes. Zoom in to get a full picture.
Covid-19 has enforced a temporary lull in OOSO's activities. So, with trustees in place plus and an additional programme for fundraising it was a good time to take a breather and review "what next".
Jackie's health, mental strength and source of new ideas are not the same as they were when Jackie started. With the trustees' blessing it's time for a new broom.
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OOSO Continues
For the time being Matt Carter will be your point of contact. He can be reached via Admin@OOSO.org.uk or on 0775-999-6969.
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The Trustees Recognise Jackie's Contribution
From - Nick Maynard “It was with great sadness that I heard from Jackie that she planned to retire as Chief Executive of OOSO. As you will all know Jackie founded OOSO, and for many of us the name Jackie Beaumont has always been synonymous with OOSO! Jackie founded OOSO after she had been treated in our unit for oesophageal cancer, and OOSO has become such a core part of the support offered to our patients with oesophageal or stomach cancer that it is difficult to know how we managed before Jackie founded it. Jackie had set up her own robust support group to help her during her treatment, but realising that not everyone would be able to do that, she identified immediately the need for a patient focussed support group and in her wonderfully forthright and inimitable way told me and Anne that we should have one and that she would set it up!
She did this brilliantly, and the rest, of course, is history. Not only has Jackie and OOSO provided wonderful support to patients, she has also worked tirelessly to raise money for our unit – the undoubted highlight of OOSO’s fundraising being the 2015 cycle ride from John O’Groats to Land’s End (JOGLE). Jackie realised the potential behind getting a few middle-aged doctors and nurses (and some younger ones!) into Lycra and worked what often seemed like 24 hours a day to organise the ride and to raise funds. She and Roger provided back up for the riders, booking all accommodation, waiting for us at pre-designated stops with food and drink (I won’t mention the time she turned the wrong way down Loch Lomond!) and basically providing for all our needs!
We are very proud of the Oxford OesophagoGastric Centre and OOSO plays an enormously important role in our service. OOSO simply would not exist without Jackie, and all our patients, carers and staff owe Jackie a huge debt of gratitude. Jackie will stay on as Patron of OOSO and I very much hope we will see as much of her as possible at our regular meetings and social events!”
From – Matt Carter and Anne Phillips “As Trustees of OOSO, we have been privileged to work closely with Jackie, supporting the Charity and helping many initiatives that she has so brilliantly lead, making such an important difference to many people for a very long time. We have always felt that OOSO plays a vital role within the workings of the Upper GI ward, directly benefiting patients, their families and friends, as well as staff at the hospital who rely on OOSO providing patients with an extra boost in their recovery. Only patients that have survived the traumas of cancer can truly communicate and empathise with those that are experiencing it for the first time.
We are extremely grateful to Jackie for her absolute dedication and tireless work, year in year out, focussing on the welfare of patients and their carers, and now wish Jackie a very well deserved, long and happy retirement, whilst still very much part of our team as Patron and Founder member.”
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