We know that there are many claims on people’s time and many other charities also hoping to benefit from your fund-raising efforts. However, as a small charity, we rely on the generosity of the public and our supporters to pay for our vital work.

If you can help in any way – by a donation, by taking part in a sponsored event or by remembering the Barrett’s Oesophagus Campaign in your will – your involvement would be very much appreciated and could make a vital difference.

Student’s dance recital in memory of his mother

Tom Wilkinson with his mother Karen Ashton

Tom Wilkinson, a second year dance student at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA), put on two dance performances with his course mates on Tuesday 12 and Wednesday 13 January 2010 at LIPA in memory of his mother, who he recently lost to oesophageal cancer.

Tom, aged 21, organised the shows in the hope of raising awareness of Barrett’s Oesophagus and to advise anyone suffering with frequent heartburn and acid reflux to visit the doctor.

Choreography by Tom Wilkinson - Image Amy Tomlinson

Tom’s mother, Karen Ashton was just 52 when she died in July 2009 and it is believed that she suffered from Barrett’s Oesophagus which then developed into cancer.

Tom said: “After my mum died, lots of people asked me about oesophageal cancer. The condition is not well known like breast cancer or skin cancer.

“Before my mum was diagnosed with cancer, she was in a lot of pain. When I was researching the illness, I came across Barrett’s Oesophagus Campaign and wanted to help the raise awareness of the illness and the charity.”

Growing beards for BOC

Simon Pickford, Richard Estrop, Marcus Wroe

In January, three handsome men from Paragon building and project consultants in London’s Hanover Square challenged each other to grow a beard for Barrett’s Oesophagus Campaign.

Simon Pickford, Richard Estrop, Marcus Wroe (pictured) agreed to support BOC because of Richard’s girlfriend, Katie, who also works at Paragon as secretary to the three. Katie is the daughter of Mimi McCord who founded the support arm of BOC, the Barrett’s Support Network. Sadly, the McCord family lost a precious father and husband to the condition.

The results of beard-off were mixed. Marcus likened himself to a trawlerman, Simon felt he had taken on the looks of Russell Crow from Gladiator and Richard struck a resemblance to that Sexy Beast, Ray Winstone.

To see how much they raised visit: www.justgiving.com/thebeards

Cyclists Boost Fund

Supporter Claire Twort and former BOC trustee Charles Marchant-White put up with aching muscles to raise a magnificent sum for Barrett’s Oesophagus Campaign when they cycled around the Isle of Wight.

Claire and Charles, who were backed by a team of supporters, raised almost £10,000 in sponsorship.

Claire, who lost her husband Graham to cancer of the oesophagus, said: "It feels like a great achievement to have been supported by so many people and to be able to give such a large amount of money to Barrett’s Oesophagus Campaign."

She went on: "I hope the money we have raised will prevent more people from dying of this awful disease."

Charles added: "The cycle ride was a fantastic achievement by a group of people from different parts of the country and walks of life who united in doing something very real and very positive for a very good and important cause.

‘I went with my wife and two boys and we had a fantastic time. We came away with a great sense of satisfaction, as well as having made a few more friends."

Claire Twort and Charles Marchant-White present Dr Paul Salmon, Chair, Barrett’s Oesophagus Campaign, with a cheque.