As 2025 comes to a close, we're sharing some big news here at the Friends of Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre. After more than 20 fantastic years of dedicated service, including eight years leading us at the helm, our brilliant Chair, Olivia Grogono, is passing on the baton.

We believe there is a brilliant fundraiser in everyone, so we’ve put our top tips together to help you get started.

We are delighted to introduce Lou, who is taking on the role of Secretary at Friends of BHOC. Lou joins us alongside her existing role in UHBW’s Arts and Culture team, and brings with her a passion for creativity, connection, and care. Outside of work, she enjoys creative writing, singing in a choir, watching live music, and spending time in nature.

With support from Friends of BHOC, Claire Harris continues to provide regular therapeutic reflexology sessions on BHOC’s Teenage and Young Adult (TYA) unit. 

We are thrilled to announce that, thanks to your generous support and fundraising efforts, we have successfully purchased a Surface Guided Radiotherapy (SGRT) machine, which is now actively in use at the Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre (BHOC).

The Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre (BHOC) is the only hospital in the Southwest offering CAR-T cell therapy, a groundbreaking treatment for certain types of lymphoma and leukaemia.

Embark on a poignant journey with Dave as he shares his transformative year of 2023. From prioritizing mental and physical health to confronting unexpected challenges, Dave's candid narrative offers profound insights into resilience and self-discovery.

Introducing the latest installment in our 'patient stories' blog series, we bring you Alison McDougall's courageous journey through her battle with cancer.

In the forthcoming blog, Hannah, our new secretary, opens up about her early experiences, reflections on the remarkable legacy of her predecessor Liz, and the heartening welcome she's received from BHOC colleagues.

In 2013, Christine Coomber's life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP), a rare autoimmune blood disorder.

In 2022, Neeley Wadsworth faced an unexpected challenge when she discovered a lump in her left breast. Her story is one of strength, resilience, and the support of her loved ones.

I knew something was wrong as soon as I arrived back in the UK after a trip away with friends - I had an urgent message on my phone to call my husband as soon as I landed.

Sheila Bamford showed bravery throughout her cancer treatment and more recently, showed bravery by taking on Zip World’s famous Velocity zip wire to raise funds for the Friends.

In 2005 when Jo was 11 years old, her mum, Sharon, was diagnosed with stage 3 cervical cancer and after receiving chemotherapy and radiotherapy at the Bristol Oncology Centre she was was given the ‘all clear’.