Charities

Founded in 2003 by consultants and former patients of Oxford University Hospitals, Oxford Colon Cancer Trust, or Occtopus is a leading Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Colorectal Cancer charity. The charity pioneers new treatments for colorectal cancer, colitis and Crohn’s and influences how they are treated across the NHS. The charity also funds breakthrough national and international research to improve patient outcomes and care. Donations to the charity helps to fund research and innovation at the Oxford Colorectal Surgery department which has an international reputation and is leading the way in the management of colorectal diseases. It also funds UK wide research and training in IBD and colorectal cancer and the team have pioneered laparoscopic, keyhole and robotic surgery. Occtopus is chaired by Professor Neil Mortensen who is a Professor of Colorectal Surgery at the Nuffield Department of Surgery, University of Oxford. For more details and to donate, visit occtopus.org.uk or follow on Facebook and Twitter.

Oxford Conservation Volunteers is a voluntary organisation that has been carrying out practical work conserving the wildlife and traditional landscape of the Oxford area since 1977. The group organises work parties every Sunday (and some Saturdays) and undertakes a wide variety of nature conservation work. This can range from hedge laying to fence building; from tree planting to conserving chalk grassland habitats by scrub clearance.

Oxford Hospitals Charity helps to transform care - funding the best medical equipment, research, training and facilities for our patients and staff. Although we aren't a huge charity we have a big impact - and that's because we keep things local and work very closely with our clinical colleagues to understand how we can really make a difference. In fact, nearly every ward and department across all of our hospitals has felt the positive impact of donations, fundraising and gifts in Wills - all thanks to thoughtful and generous individuals who want to make a difference in their local community. Donations also helped create the Cancer and Heart Centres in Oxford and the Brodey Cancer Centre at the Horton General, as well as the Oxford Children's Hospital. We fund the very latest medical equipment, innovative research and specialist medical training. Donations also transform the hospital environment for our patients and dedicated staff - making wards and hospital spaces more welcoming and comfortable. From the small things, like providing quality reclining chairs for cancer patients having lengthy chemotherapy, to larger projects, such as funding computerised surgical equipment to help our talented surgeons with the most complicated of operations, this is your local charity supporting your local hospitals. With your vital support we can continue to transform the hospitals that care for you and your loved ones.

The Oxfordshire Animal Sanctuary admits & rehomes around 500 animals every year. Since opening in 1967, we have proudly managed to help over 27,500 animals find their forever home. At any one time, we have up to 30 dogs, 60 cats and kittens and 15-20 rabbits. We also care for three goats, who are our permanent guests. We often look after 70-100 animals a day.