Partner Charities
The Sure Guernsey Marathon is delighted to support Guernsey Bowel Cancer and Priaulx Premature Baby Foundation as partner charities for the 2024 event taking place on Sunday 14th April 2024. There are many ways that you can support these wonderful local charities: You can donate on registration, set up a fundraising page (details will automatically be sent to you following registration) or you can donate via our giving.gg page:
Bowel Cancer Guernsey was formed in 2001 originally under the name of The Guernsey Bowel Cancer Awareness Charity, it was rebranded in 2013 and became a company limited by guarantee in 2015.
Bowel Cancer Guernsey aims to improve awareness, prevention and diagnosis of bowel cancer within the Bailiwick of Guernsey and all monies raised for and by the charity are spent locally. A healthy lifestyle and regular exercise all go towards reducing the risk of bowel cancer.
We are always extremely grateful to people who promote awareness through putting on events for Bowel Cancer Guernsey and we are delighted to be involved with the Sure Guernsey Marathon. Thank you for your generosity and support. Good luck to all who are taking part in the Sure Guernsey Marathon.
The work of Bowel Cancer Guernsey was recently recognised as it was selected as one of the three finalists in the 2019 Guernsey Community Foundation Charity of the year through its work on:
Awareness
Loud Tie day held in January and April, Bowel cancer month are the main times we raise awareness of the symptoms and how to prevent bowel cancer through media campaigns in the local media. All Island schools receive resources to use in an Assembly about Loud Tie day and the importance of a Healthy Lifestyle. We have advertised our “don’t sit on it sort it” strap line on the back of buses and through stickers in public toilets. This year we will focus on eating more fibre.
Prevention
We encourage people to attend bowel cancer screening when they are invited and promote a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise helps reduce the risk of bowel cancer and so we purchased the exercise equipment at Saumarez Park, holding sessions for different user groups. The Shake your Booty campaign in Island schools was developed to give the healthy lifestyle message to students. We hold an annual clued walk each June. Our Family Funday at Saumarez Park was enjoyed by many families.
Diagnosis
Bowel Cancer Guernsey has funded the refurbishment of a waiting room used by people awaiting screening. We have also supported on and off island training for local health professionals. This year we are bringing an eminent speaker to talk to health professionals about the Screening programme at a Public Health seminar. We meet regularly with representatives of Health and Social Care to discuss the Bowel Cancer Screening programme and have purchased equipment enabling the screening programme.
http://www.bowelcancerguernsey.org
A bit about the PPBF
The Priaulx Premature Baby Foundation (PPBF) was set up by three times World Touring Car Champion Andy Priaulx MBE and his wife Jo in 2003, following the premature births of their two children.
This experience inspired the creation of the PPBF so that fellow Guernsey families in similar situations are able to access the help and resources they need.
The PPBF team is made up of dedicated individuals and volunteers who help with fundraising, day-to-day running, promotion, special projects, events, secretarial duties and much more.
The charity not only supports babies born too soon, but it also helps children who have been diagnosed with a critical illness. Keeping families together and offering practical and emotional support is at the heart of the PPBF’s work.
Buy-A-Night campaign
The PPBF manages two properties right next to Southampton Hospital, for local families with premature babies or poorly children to stay in, if off-island treatment is needed.
Both flats – Aggie’s Burrow and Isaac’s Pad – are cosy, private, fully-equipped and conveniently situated so that parents can be by their child’s side within minutes. Each flat offers a reassuring ‘home-from-home’ for days, weeks or months whether a baby is receiving care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, or a child is being treated at Southampton Children’s Hospital.
The ‘Buy-A-Night’ campaign is dedicated to keeping these lifelines running by inviting members of the public and businesses to ‘buy a night’ of their choice. By using a special online calendar, supporters can choose a flat, date, payment plan and personalisation. Nights can be purchase from just £5 per month, and will provide a good night’s sleep to those who need it most.
Find out more at www.ppbf.org.gg/buy-a-night
On-island work
In addition to keeping their Southampton properties running for years to come, the PPBF also works closely with Guernsey’s Neonatal Unit. Fundraising goes towards the purchase of equipment and resources to assist the team. In the past, this has included items such as a cerebral monitor, incubator, ventilators and training aids to give premature babies the best possible start to life. Other items include breast pumps, relaxing chairs and a camera printer for parents.
Additionally, the PPBF continues to create its beloved ‘Baby Boxes’ which contain essentials including tiny items of clothing, blankets and nappies, as well as toys, keepsakes and gifts for preemie parents on the Unit.
