We've changed our name to Bloodwise
Blood cancer charity Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research, beneficiary of our branch, is changing its name from September.
The 55-year-old charity has chosen Bloodwise as its new name, after listening and responding to the needs of patients. The new name will capture all the life-changing work now being done by the charity – its continuing world-class research, its expanding portfolio of patient support services, and its role speaking up on behalf of those affected by blood cancer.
The decision to seek a new name was taken after many patients and carers reported that the current name was often a barrier to accessing the charity’s support services. They said that the name was long and difficult to remember, and didn’t sound like an organisation which provided patient support.
“It’s a big change, and with that comes great challenges, but we are keen to support all blood cancer patients in the best way possible” said Daniel Redhead, Winterton and District Branch Co-ordinator.
“Our values remain the same, and what we do won’t change. Our new name will enable us to reach more people and support even more people affected by all types of blood cancer.”
“I was thrilled to be part of one of the steering groups to feed in the thoughts of the Winterton and District Branch about this change. All our team is very positive about the change and we are really excited for the exciting opportunities we hope it will bring.”
Our branch was formed in 2011 in memory of James Neal who passed away from leukaemia and so far we have raised £75,000 to beat blood cancer.
Emma Jane Jones, Bloodwise Regional Manager for the Midlands said: “Over the years our dedicated supporters here in Winterton have worked tirelessly to raise money and increase awareness of blood cancers. We believe our new name will help us to raise even more money to beat blood cancer, and in doing so enable more patients from North Lincolnshire and elsewhere to benefit from our support services.
“Currently fewer than one in 10 people affected by blood cancer use our services, as many don’t know about the support we can provide, or that we’re here for all blood cancer patients, not just those with leukaemia and lymphoma. Bloodwise is short and easy to remember, which is vital when you’ve just been diagnosed with cancer and your world has been turned upside down.”
Bloodwise is running the UK’s largest ever blood cancer public awareness campaign this September, to coincide with Blood Cancer Awareness Month. The campaign was launched in response to a crisis in awareness of the group of diseases, which include leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma.
Research undertaken by the charity has revealed that for patients, this lack of awareness adds significantly to the stress, uncertainty and worry that comes with a cancer diagnosis. Low awareness also meant many patients, friends and families didn’t know about the organisations and support services that exist to help them.
Daniel said: “We have increasingly noticed a lack of awareness about blood cancer in our area. We regularly hold supermarket collections, and have stands at community events where we talk to the public about the issue. Many people aren’t aware of the scale of the problem and that there are so many different types of blood cancer, even though this is the fifth biggest cancer killer in the UK”
The campaign by Bloodwise highlights the fact that blood cancer is comprised of 137 individual diseases. It is appearing on billboards across the UK throughout September.
Diana Jupp, Director of Patient Experience at Bloodwise, said: “38,000 people are diagnosed with a blood cancer each year in the UK, yet very few people are familiar with the term “blood cancer”. Patients have told us that a lack of awareness has a significant impact throughout their patient journey – from confusion and uncertainty at diagnosis to being unaware of the organisations that provide the support and care they need.”
“This lack of awareness of one of the most common forms of cancer cannot be tackled overnight, and this campaign is the first step to addressing this problem.”
Throughout September the Winterton and District Branch will be supporting the national campaign to help raise awareness through social media and with campaign posters in local businesses. We will also be holding two supermarket collections on 5th September at Carlton Street Asda and 12th September at Burringham Road Asda.