A Warm Welcome to Lou Taylor
Lou Taylor (left), the new secretary to the Friends of Bristol Haematology & Oncology Centre.
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.
Lou shared: "I feel inspired to be part of a charity that supports cancer care in such a meaningful way, and I look forward to being part of the BHOC community.”
Welcome to the latest news from Friends of BHOC! We’re delighted to introduce you to the newest member of our team, Lou, who is taking on the role of Secretary. In the forthcoming blog, Lou opens up about her early experiences and reflections since joining us. Lou brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for creativity and community. Get to know a little more about her and what she's been up to since starting in her new role.
Although I’ve worked on projects across the Trust for several years in my other role, this role with Friends offers a new perspective on working in the health sector. There is so much to learn about what happens in the Centre, and I have been particularly interested to start learning about the various treatment specialisms and the equipment and expertise that make them possible.
On visiting Radiotherapy, I was fascinated to see the Linacs, to learn about the impact of recent Friends of BHOC funded equipment investments, and to gain insight into the science that underpins this form of treatment. It feels important to build a foundation of knowledge so that I can offer an awareness of patient experience in the conversations I share with patients and visitors, and better understand funding requests from colleagues, who are striving for the very best outcomes for their patients.
The charity committee have been very welcoming and truly embody the name, Friends of BHOC. It’s brilliant to work alongside this group of volunteers who bring such different skills and experiences to their work for the charity, united by their commitment to supporting Cancer care. Recently committee members Liz and Jane hosted a cake sale, generously supported by colleague Jean and her family, as well as other bakers. It was wonderful to observe people’s joy at seeing the table of treats! Colleagues bought bakes for their teams, visitors carefully selected cakes for their loved ones, and patients scooped up trays cupcakes to gift to the staff in their area of treatment, all while supporting a charity that they feel personally connected to.
Part of my job is to support fundraisers with information and materials, and I’ve already met inspiring fundraisers from community and corporate groups who are taking on the challenge of fundraising, often with a very personal connection to the Centre. I presented at a local company JLL who have embraced the mission of fundraising on behalf of Friends of BHOC for a full year, and was warmly welcomed at Wrington Vale Rotary Club, who are at the beginning of their fundraising journey with the Friends. It’s so interesting to meet people and visit places that I might not otherwise encounter and I’m looking forward to supporting more fundraisers and exploring new fundraising activities. I am keen to bring my creative background to the role and look forward to helping with the next Friends of BHOC Opera!
Friends of BHOC are embedded in the Centre and there is a real feeling of community around the building. Already busy staff take the extra moment to connect with patients and visitors, offering reassurance and person-centred care. Patients who enter the waiting room as strangers might be sharing stories within minutes, extending mutual support and solidarity. I unexpectedly had the joy of listening to a duet sung and played by a visitor and patient who met by the piano and connected over their shared love of musical theatre, to the delight of those around them. I’m sure that as the months pass I will witness many more moments of kindness and humanity and I hope I can be another friendly presence in this warm, welcoming place.
We trust you found inspiration in Lou’s blog, offering a glimpse into the heart of Friends of BHOC. If you happen to be at the Centre anytime soon, don't hesitate to drop by and extend a warm hello. For those thinking about how to contribute to the Bristol Oncology Centre, explore the myriad ways to get involved on our dedicated page. Your support is vital in helping us continue our work, and we look forward to welcoming you to the Friends of BHOC community.
