The OPA’s 2015 AGM will be hosted by our Derby Branch this year and you are invited to attend, meet the Committee, especially our new Chairman, Professor Robert Mason, and to take part in various question and answer sessions and hear from various experts in oesophageal illness and cancer support. We have a full and interesting programme with speakers including Professor Mason (Bob), Trustees, Maggie’s Centre Nottingham, a donation from the local Scout Group and Cancer 52 and we have arranged things in the village hall so that we have a full time coffee and breakout area.
This is our 30th Anniversary year and the AGM is being held close in time to our Anniversary event. You are welcome to attend both! We have set ourselves ambitious targets for the 30th anniversary and this includes a step change in fundraising and in activity. Our target for additional funds is £120000 and we intend to use those funds as follows. I hope that we will be able to have a discussion with you, at the AGM, on the proposed patient centred research project.
1. Widening of Branch network – ensure national coverage of patients by the OPA – £50000
2. Confidential database development for communication and future research purposes – £25000
3. Possible wedge (support pillows) distribution for 1000 patients – £30000
4. Patient support videos – £5000
5. Creation of training courses specific to support for oesophageal patients – £10000
It would be very helpful if you could advise us that you are coming and how you will get there. If numbers are sufficient we should be able to organise a shuttle from Derby City Centre to Hilton.
We anticipate being able to report that we have turned a corner and that two years of deficits in our finances are behind us. Active support from many of you, super work in the office by Maggie Robinson, our Operations Manager and Jacqui Wood, our fundraiser, enable us to be confident in the OPA’s future.
