Meet Hannah: A New Chapter Unfolds at Friends of BHOC

From left to right: Olivia Grogono, Chair of the Friends of BHOC; Liz Pritchard, former Secretary; and Hannah Earle, recently appointed as Secretary.

Friends of BHOC is thrilled to introduce our newest team member, Hannah (right of photo), who took on the role of Secretary in January. Fresh to Bristol for her postgraduate studies at the University of Bristol, Hannah brings a unique perspective and infectious enthusiasm to our community. In the forthcoming blog, Hannah opens up about her early experiences, reflections on the remarkable legacy of her predecessor Liz (centre in photo), and the heartening welcome she's received from BHOC colleagues. Dive into the blog to discover how Hannah is navigating her new role, her aspirations, and the exciting journey ahead as she steps into some substantial shoes with dedication and kindness.

Hi, I’m Hannah and I’m the new secretary for the Friends of BHOC as of January 2024. I’m quite new to Bristol in general, having moved here in September 2023 to commence my postgraduate studies at the University of Bristol. Before I was interviewed for this role, I was doing my due diligence and researching who the Friends of BHOC were, what they do and how they do things and I was immediately drawn to this role. I was (and still am, every day) profoundly inspired by the work that the Friends do to support the staff, patients, resources and research at BHOC. I’m so glad that I am now a part of this organisation.  

The phrase ‘big boots to fill’ springs to mind when I reflect on my initial feelings towards taking on the role as the Friends of BHOC new secretary…  to say Liz’s legacy at BHOC and within the Friends is impressive, is an understatement. When I first met Liz I could immediately understand how she had come to have such a profound presence within the Centre. Liz has an immediately warm manner, (as anyone who has had the pleasure of meeting Liz will surely know) the kind where you feel as though you could tell her your deepest fears or your wildest dreams within seconds of talking to her, which I guess contributed to her success in this role. It is for this that I deeply admire and look up to Liz to guide my journey through this role; if I can try to be just a shred of the Secretary Liz was to the Friends of BHOC then I’ll be chuffed to bits.

If there is one thing that I will treasure endlessly about my first few weeks working for the Friends, it is the unwavering kindness of all those I’ve interacted with. From the committee members who have patiently answered my (many) questions and queries, to all of the staff and colleagues within the centre who have popped into the office to say “hi” and “welcome”. It means a great deal to have felt such willing support from all those working at BHOC, especially in the beginning stages of starting here. I think this is reflective of the character of many people who choose to work within the NHS and within the Charity sector; we are united by a communal sense of wanting to help others.

It is this desire that initially attracted me to this role and as I said in my interview: I am intrinsically motivated by the aspiration to help people. It feels like an immense privilege to be working for the Friends because I can already so clearly see the extent to which the funding and support helps to improve the lives of the patients being treated here at BHOC and the staff working here too. To be able to contribute to this process is such a joyful honour.

I have already gained so much knowledge within this role and it has been quite the learning curve! I think the most valuable lesson I have learned within my short time so far here at the Friends of BHOC, is that there is so much to be said for kindness and resilience in the face of sadness and loss. I fear I may be getting a bit whimsical here - but what I mean by this is I have been so inspired by the ways in which people have turned their grief, sadness or difficulty into something powerful and empowering. I am also so motivated by the attitude and efforts of everyone who works at BHOC and the Friends, who are so kind and attentive despite carrying undeniably difficult experiences and emotions.

I have been totally inspired by some of the patients I have met so far as well, whose resilience, strength and bravery is unparalleled. One such meeting that will stick with me forever is when I met a wonderful lady called Jenny, for whom I have such deep admiration for, she told me her motto is “to stay as strong as I can for as long as I can”. I often think of the patients, staff and Friends colleagues, outside of the office and try to channel the core values they represent in my day to day life.

I hope that in this role I will be able to contribute to and cultivate some exciting fundraising projects and I look forward to developing stronger connections with colleagues, patients and all those working in and around the Friends of BHOC. So really, in conclusion, I am determined to fill these metaphorical boots to the utmost of my ability, inspired by the power, resilience and kindness of those around me at BHOC. 

We trust you found inspiration in Hannah's blog, offering a glimpse into the heart of Friends of BHOC. If you happen to be at the Centre anytime soon, don't hesitate to drop by and extend a warm hello. For those pondering how to contribute to the Bristol Oncology Centre, explore the myriad ways to get involved on our dedicated page.