Fight Bladder Cancer
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| Formation | 2010 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Andrew Winterbottom and Tracy Staskevich |
| Headquarters | Chinnor, Oxfordshire |
Chair of Trustees | Andrew Dearden |
Interim CEO | Melanie Costin |
Publication | Fight Magazine |
| Website | https://www.fightbladdercancer.co.uk/ |
Fight Bladder Cancer is the only patient-led bladder cancer charity in the UK. The charity is dedicated to supporting people affected by bladder cancer, raising awareness, and funding research to improve diagnosis and treatment. It provides support and mentorship for those impacted by the disease, and creates resources for patients, carers, and healthcare professionals. It also advocates for better care and policy change.[1]
History
[edit]Fight Bladder Cancer was founded in 2010 following the personal experience of co-founder Andrew Winterbottom, who was diagnosed with Stage 4 bladder cancer in June 2009. After facing a delayed diagnosis and major surgery, he and his wife, Tracy Staskevich, identified a lack of dedicated patient support for those affected by bladder cancer in the UK. They initially established a local support group, which later expanded into a national organisation run by bladder cancer survivors and their families.[2]
Fight Bladder Cancer later launched an online forum and a website to provide information and facilitate connections among patients and their families across the UK. The organisation subsequently began campaigning for greater awareness of bladder cancer and improvements in patient care. On 8 July 2014, it was officially registered as an unincorporated charity.
In 2017, a new board of trustees was formed, chaired by John Hester, to develop a long-term strategy for the charity. In 2019, Andrew stepped down from his leadership role and Dr Lydia Makaroff became the first chief executive.
The organisation remains focused on providing support, raising awareness, and advocating for improved treatment and research for bladder cancer patients across the UK.
Charitable activities
[edit]Fight Bladder Cancer uses its funds to support patients diagnosed with bladder cancer, their families friends and care givers and promote awareness of bladder cancer symptoms, treatments and aftercare. provides a small amount of funding for research of bladder cancer, and also campaigns for governmental policy change to improve patient care and outcomes.[3] The charities headquarters are located in Oxfordshire [4]
References
[edit]- ^ "Home". Fight Bladder Cancer. Retrieved 2025-01-30.
- ^ "Bladder cancer resources and support organisations". www.cancerresearchuk.org. Retrieved 2025-01-30.
- ^ "FIGHT BLADDER CANCER - Charity 1198773". prd-ds-register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk. Retrieved 2025-01-30.
- ^ "Fight Bladder Cancer - Oxfordshire | Oxfordshire MarketPlace". livewell.oxfordshire.gov.uk. Retrieved 2025-01-30.