Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in Northern Ireland and the second biggest cancer killer. Every year around 1,100 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer here and around 400 people die from the disease.
Each month the firm is organising a COVID-restricted fundraiser. Staff took part in a 5K socially distanced Walk Together in September, a walk up Cavehill in October and a Fitness Challenge with built-in donations and penalties in November. A ‘Santa Dash (or Dander!)’ is planned for December in St Anne’s Square in the Cathedral Quarter with local Bowel Cancer Ambassador, Pamela Ballantine, joining the firm in several of the events. Pamela will also be donning her Santa Hat for the Santa Dash.
The death of a friend of Edwards & Co’s Senior Partner Dorcas Crawford inspired what is now a long-established relationship with Bowel Cancer UK.
As a result of fundraising efforts, the charity has been able to fund two full time members of staff in Northern Ireland to raise awareness, lobby the devolved administration at Stormont and help prevent unnecessary deaths.
COVID-19 restrictions forced the cancellation of mass participation events, which had a huge impact on the charity’s income. As a result, cuts have been made to staffing levels, including the loss of one of the two posts originally supported through Edwards & Co’s fundraising.
Dorcas Crawford, said: “As a company, we have decided that we want to commit to raising sufficient funds to ensure that at least one post remains in Northern Ireland, otherwise more lives will be lost and much of the work that has been done over the past 9 years will be undone.
“If diagnosed at the earliest stage, bowel cancer is highly treatable, with a survival rate of more than 95% over five years. Quite literally, awareness saves lives.
“We’ve had lots of support and we’re delighted with the response so far, but there’s a long way to go to reach our target.
“Our friend, Rosi Kirker, did not allow bowel cancer to prevent her fundraising and Edwards & Co will certainly not let COVID-19 stop us continuing to do so in her memory.
“We have had to find creative ways of raising vital funds, but with a little help from our friends, we believe we can reach the target. It’s ambitious, but it’s entirely achievable, and we certainly don’t want our good work in the past to now be undone.”
Genevieve Edwards, Chief Executive at Bowel Cancer UK, said: “COVID-19 has had an enormous impact on our charity, but with the amazing help and support of Edwards & Co and others, we can maintain our presence in Northern Ireland and continue our life-saving work.”
“Symptoms of bowel cancer include bleeding from your bottom and/or blood in your poo, a persistent and unexplained change in bowel habit, unexplained weight loss, extreme tiredness for no obvious reason, and a pain or lump in your tummy. Most people with these symptoms don’t have bowel cancer, but if you have one or more of these, or if things just don’t feel right, please contact your GP.”
If you can help, please donate at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/edwards-co3
Edwards & Co Senior Partner Dorcas Crawford sets off on a 5k walk with Bowel Cancer UK ambassador Pamela Ballantine
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