Big C, Norfolk’s cancer charity, last night, at the Quadram Institute, launched its new Corporate Partnership campaign ‘In Good Company’.

Big C is a local charity that supports people across Norfolk and Waveney affected by cancer. It funds world-class local research into cancer, provides vital medical equipment and facilities in the county’s main hospitals, and educates local people about cancer.

The Quadram Institute was delighted to be able to provide the venue for the launch of Big C’s ‘In Good Company’ campaign, an appeal to the organisations of Norfolk and Waveney to work with Big C in order to raise £20,000 each over two years, and ensure that together, everyone can continue to improve the outcomes for everyone affected by cancer in local businesses and the local community.

The event featured a series of presentations from representatives of the Norfolk business network, all of whom highlighted the importance of partnerships when helping employees navigate their path through cancer care.

Dr Chris Bushby, CEO of BigC, provided some thought-provoking facts and figures noting that 8,000 people are diagnosed with cancer in Norfolk every year and over 2 million people across the UK. He said, “The success of a company relies on its people, but life is full of unexpected challenges that those individuals may have to face. Cancer sadly affects many in our community every year and whether you have received a personal diagnosis, or you are caring for someone affected by cancer, life doesn’t stop and can have a huge impact on everyday life.

Image courtesy of Big C.

“Big C’s new ‘In Good Company’ partnership programme offers the region’s larger employers an opportunity to provide outstanding well-being support for their team and demonstrate their commitment as a people-focused business. They will also make a significant financial contribution, as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility strategy, to the work carried out by Big C in Norfolk and Waveney. We look forward to talking to local companies about how we can work together.”

The Quadram Institute itself has been fortunate to receive significant funding from Big C. The build project was supported by £400,000 provided by the charity, and Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB) research has benefited from grant funding. One of the projects that has secured funding is led by QIB’s Dr Lindsay Hall and Dr Stephen Robinson. Their research is studying the role of the gut microbiota in breast cancer and explores some evidence that the bacteria that live naturally in our gut can have an impact on surviving breast cancer.

If you would like to find out more about the ‘In Good Company’ campaign, please visit Big C’s website.