Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh: Fundraising for Bowel Cancer UK

The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) is one of the world’s oldest surgical institutions, founded in 1505. For over 500 years they have made medical discoveries and progressions which have benefitted us all, from antiseptic to pain relief. Surgeons Quarter is the commercial events arm to the RCSEd and was founded in 2005 to support the College financially by running events in the campus, as well as the four star Ten Hill Place Hotel and Nicolson Street’s Café 1505.

There is no questioning that RCSEd has made positive advancements to healthcare around the world. However, Surgeons Quarter and RCSEd have decided to do more for an important cause right here in Scotland.

Bowel cancer is Scotland’s second biggest cancer killer. 1,600 people in Scotland alone die from the disease each year. This figure is too high. Bowel cancer is treatable and curable, especially if discovered early. For this reason, Surgeons Quarter, together with RCSEd, have decided to support Bowel Cancer UK’s Improving Surgery, Saving Lives campaign.

The campaign aims to fund a Research Chair from a Scottish University who will work to reduce the long term side effects of bowel cancer surgery and ultimately save lives. This is the first time that Surgeons Quarter and the College have coordinated for a charitable effort. With an ambitious £50,000 target for the year 2019, lots of exciting activities and events have already taken place, with even more to come.

Café 1505 marked World Cancer Day in February with a range of “gut friendly” treats, with 50% of the proceeds from these going to Bowel Cancer UK. The Café has continued to hold a Bowel Cancer UK Coffee & Cake Morning every Sunday, where £1 from every hot drink and cake combination being donated to the campaign. Along with RCSEd, Surgeon’s Hall Museums and Ten Hill Place Hotel, Café 1505 are also welcoming spare change from generous visitors.

Staff at both Surgeons Quarter and RCSEd are involved with a number of internal and external events to help towards the target. These include a ticketed screening of Kinky Boots with refreshments for sale, a Quiz and Bingo night with some fantastic raffle prizes, groups and individuals running in the Edinburgh Marathon Festival, dress down days and bake sales. There are plenty more big fundraising activities lined up, with the College’s annual charity walk taking place in the Borders in September, The Kelpies Supernova in November and The Big Walk in September.

Any donations to Bowel Cancer UK would be greatly appreciated. To donate, click here.