Welcoming Jane Lockwood as the New Chair of the Friends
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.
Taking over the role is someone you may already know, our experienced committee member, Jane Lockwood. We owe Olivia a huge thank you for her dedication over the years and we trust Jane, a long-standing committee member, to successfully guide the Friends into its next chapter.
Reflecting on Olivia’s Tenure
It is thanks to the commitment of Olivia and our previous leaders and committee members that we can provide the high level of support we do today, to fund vital equipment and essential patient comforts. We are truly grateful for the legacy that has been established, and we look forward to the expertise and leadership that Jane brings as we build upon that success in this new chapter.
Here’s what Olivia has to say about the transition;
“After 8 years as Chair and over 20 years on the Friends of BHOC committee, I felt it was time to bow out and pass the role on to a new leader with a fresh approach and enthusiasm to guide the charity into the future. I have loved being involved with the Centre and it has been a privilege to be the Chair of such a committed group of trustees. Thank you for your support throughout my tenure. Over time we have built up a good relationship with the staff, who know they can come to the Friends for financial support for important items which can benefit the patients and which their NHS budget cannot afford. I am confident that the Friends will thrive under the new leadership of Jane Lockwood and together with her committee will continue to serve an important role at BHOC. We are so lucky to have a Cancer Centre of such excellence, with dedicated, caring and skilled staff in Bristol. I look forward to seeing the committee’s achievements in the future and wish it continuing success. Goodbye and best wishes to all - Olivia.”
Jane’s Journey to the Friends of BHOC
Jane is a true local, having been born, educated, and lived in Bristol and the surrounding areas for most of her life. She brings a wealth of professional expertise to the role, having recently retired in 2022 after a successful career with a major Bristol-based company.
Her connection to the Friends of BHOC is deeply personal. Having witnessed family members and close friends suffer from cancer, Jane felt immediately drawn to the charity’s mission and joined the committee in 2022.
Our Future Focus: What Comes Next
With Jane taking over as Chair, she will continue to head up the Main Committee, holding quarterly meetings to discuss our fundraising strategy and approve essential hospital grants, while also liaising closely with staff and management.
Jane's vision is focused on securing the charity’s future success through increased visibility and diverse funding streams, ensuring that all funds raised are solely dedicated to supporting the BHOC and its patients. She has set two clear aims for the Friends:
Sustainable Fundraising: Jane aims to increase fundraising by engaging our community directly, ensuring we build sustainable income, as well as receiving much-needed legacies. This is crucial for the charity’s long-term health, especially in the current climate.
Raise Our Profile: Jane is committed to boosting our presence and impact by increasing awareness across all channels, ensuring the Friends are seen and heard in the wider community in a positive, non-aggressive way.
Critically, Jane aims to increase fundraising for the next generation LINAC (Linear Accelerator). Securing this cutting-edge equipment will ensure the BHOC remains at the forefront of cancer treatment, directly benefiting future patients for years to come.
With Jane's vision and professional experience guiding our strategy, the community remains the heart of our charity’s success.
Celebrating 55 Years of Service
As we move forward, we are also celebrating our history. Next year, 2026, marks the 55th anniversary of the Friends of BHOC, a significant milestone that speaks to the dedication of our community over five decades.
To honor this legacy and push toward Jane’s fundraising goals, we already have three substantial events planned for 2026: a ceilidh, an opera, and a dinner dance. These major events are designed to be fun, memorable ways to gather the community and bring in substantial funds to go directly towards purchasing the new LINAC (Linear Accelerator). We look forward to celebrating this anniversary with all of you!
Our Community
As a non-funded organisation, our community is everything. We are incredibly enthusiastic about the vision Jane brings to lead the Friends of BHOC into its next chapter, but the heart of our success lies entirely with our supporters, patients, and staff. We warmly invite all of you to share your ideas and join us in this vital work. Let's make the future bright, together.
If you feel inspired by our 55th anniversary or Jane's mission, there is no better time to get involved. Your continued support, whether through fundraising or donation, is what makes the next 55 years possible.
