Charity appoints new Communications Manager as it enters its 20th year

OCCTOPUS, the Oxford Colon Cancer Trust, has announced the appointment of a Communications Manager as the charity looks to bolster its communication and fundraising strategy in its 20th year.

The colorectal specialist charity, which was Founded in 2003, has hired Oxford-based Liz Ashworth to drive brand awareness and fundraising in the newly created communications role which will drive the charity’s appeals for new equipment, technology and research for its life-saving work with patients with bowel cancer, Crohn’s and colitis.

Ashworth’s previous experience includes roles at London-based PR and Marketing agencies Cow PR and Iris Worldwide, Oxford digital agency Bottle and a role at Teenage Cancer Trust.

On the new role, Liz Ashworth commented:

“I’m excited to devise and execute a communications strategy for Occtopus which will drive meaningful storytelling to not only place the charity at the forefront of people’s minds but to also get people talking about the more taboo of cancers and wider gut health issues.

“The strategy will include driving awareness of the internationally respected centre of excellence within Oxford University Hospitals which has a national and international reach and engage a wider audience in the cutting-edge work being undertaken by a leading team of consultants and researchers within Oxford University Hospitals.”

Chair of the charity and Professor of Colorectal Surgery at the University of Oxford Medical School, Professor Neil Mortensen added:

“We were impressed with Liz’s multi-sector communications and creative campaign experience but more importantly her passion for the charity’s vision and her fresh strategic thinking.

“As we look to expand the activities and reach of the charity, we need a more focused and professional approach to our communications so that we can more effectively support the research aims of the Department. We are delighted to welcome Liz to the team in helping us achieve these ambitions.”

For more information, please visit: Occtopus.org.uk.