Charity: Occtopus UK

Founded in 2003 by consultants and former patients of Oxford University Hospitals, Occtopus, or the Oxford Colon Cancer Trust charity, 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 and 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. The charity is chaired by Professor Sir Neil Mortensen who is a Professor of Colorectal Surgery, Nuffield Department of Surgery, University of Oxford.