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One of the things we at OOSO like to do is support the Upper GI Ward as best we can. We put your very generous donations to good use, towards items for the ward that help patients and staff have an easier time of it. For example, good quality fridge freezers to store supplements and drinks, bedside fans for when it gets hot, food blenders to hand out to those that need them, fully adjustable bedside chairs (a new batch is planned for), and more complex bits of kit like hi-tech drain and ward monitors.
But recently we funded something completely different, a 'two-day-away-day' for all 40 UGI nurses, to get together in two groups (so the ward remains fully covered!) as a team build and OOSO awareness day, with a treasure hunt icebreaker in Oxford and lunch at St Aldates Tavern.
Ward Sister, Abi Mansfield said "We’ve never been away from the ward together before - it's not something we can afford to do, so we’re extremely grateful to everyone who has donated to OOSO allowing us to do this. We have new staff and old, who rarely meet socially, so a day like this is golden for us - thank you!"
As part of the day we talked about OOSO, and how we patients are in awe of the care and compassion we receive, looking after us so well at such a difficult time. There were a few tears in the group, but of course emotional investment is a big part of excellence.
The first day went extremely well, the second day is scheduled for the 10th August.
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This coming Saturday Laura Littrell will be sky high over Salisbury, free falling and taking in the views, before pulling the ripcord and gently touching down onto Old Sarum airfield. Sounds scary yes! But Laura's made of tough stuff, having had Achalasia for over 9 years, then an oesophagectomy in her mid 30s - it's a lot for anyone to take in. With two teenage kids she's used to the rough and tumble of life and just gets on with it.
Laura's very kindly donating her fundraising to OOSO, and giving a number of media interviews to boot. Listen out for Laura this Saturday morning on BBC Radio Oxford, or catch up on BBC Sounds, and we'll share any newspaper clippings that pop up too. Our fundraising page can be accessed here at: https://ooso.enthuse.com/cf/lauralittrell
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Join us on Zoom next Tuesday 25th July at 7pm for one hour. Invites and links shall be emailed to our regular list of attendees in the next day or so. If you'd like to dial in and are not already on our zoom list, just drop me a line here at admin@ooso.org.uk and we'll love to see you there.
We're privileged to have the very eminent Lizzy Smyth joining us, a world leader and trailblazer in Oncology, one of the most progressive and innovative cancer specialists of our time. Lizzy's good craic too, a very friendly person. She'll be introducing us to the basics of chemotherapy, how it works, and what the standard treatments are, plus an overview of the most advanced therapies available and on trial. Not one to miss.
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Please don't forget that we're hosting our annual BBQ and cycle ride coming up very soon, on Saturday 5th August. We hope you can come along.
The BBQ will take place from 3pm at Wytham Woods near Oxford, finishing at around 6pm. We are very fortunate to be allowed to use the Oxford Universities barn facility near to the walkers car park, Post Code: OX2 8QQ
Ann Dennis, OOSO Trustee, and of 'Ann's Munchies' fame will be our Head Chef, putting on the best BBQ you’re likely to ever have.
There's no need to book in advance, just turn up on the day, tickets on arrival are £12.50 per person and a small donation for children would be appreciated. If you’d like to pay in advance just go to our main funding page: Support Patients & Carers - Raise Funds for the Upper GI Ward (enthuse.com) and click ‘donate’, adding Gift Aid if you can - but please include your name(s) so we know that you’ve pre-paid.
And bring your own bottle if you wish, soft drinks will be provided. As usual there'll be a fun raffle, and if you'd like to donate a prize on the day we'd be very grateful too.
The cycle ride, led by Anne and Nick, will start earlier in the day with two distances to choose from, 25 and 50 miles, taking in the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside, finishing at the BBQ at around 3pm. If you would like to join in just drop me a line at: admin@ooso.org.uk .
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We recently hosted two café lunches, again at Bicester Village garden centre and then Dobbies near to Swindon. True to form Bicester gave us a decent lunch, top marks for that, but no table service, whereas Dobbies table service was excellent tho’ the food not quite as memorable – swings and roundabouts! However, the company as usual was five star.
Because we have quite a few supporters around Swindon we plan to meet there a little more often, in addition to our monthly Café catch ups around the counties.
The next two café lunches will be:
- Tuesday 8th August 12:30 at Yarnton Garden Centre, OX5 1PA
- Tuesday 22nd August at Dobbies Garden Centre, Swindon, SN2 7SE
If you'd like to join us, email: admin@ooso.org.uk so we can make sure they can fit us in.
Thanks for reading our newsletters, keep in touch.
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Kind regards
Matt Carter
Chair of the Trustees
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