Doug Naysmith’s Loud Tie was clearly visible in the House of Commons last week when he questioned the Prime Minister about public transport in the Bristol area, even though Beating Bowel Cancer's Loud Tie Campaign didn’t start until this week.
Dr Naysmith, MP for Bristol North West, attended Beating Bowel Cancer’s Parliamentary Launch Event held in the Houses of Parliament. He said “Bowel cancer is the second biggest cause of cancer deaths in the UK, but if diagnosed in time it is very easy to treat successfully. Unfortunately, people are a bit coy when it comes to talking about their bottoms, and the Loud Tie campaign aims to raise awareness of the disease.
"I was delighted that my loud tie could be seen at Prime Minister’s Questions and perhaps some people wondered what on earth I was wearing and why. I hope they now know it was to draw attention to Beating Bowel Cancer’s campaign and the launch of the Bowel Cancer 2012 Challenge. This challenge calls for real improvements in the area of bowel cancer - in particular around increasing awareness and better outcomes for patients - within the next 5 years. I would like to congratulate Beating Bowel Cancer on the launch of the campaign and I would urge my constituents to join in and dig out their loudest ties or neckwear during Loud Tie Week!"
The Loud Tie Campaign urges people across Britain not to be tongue-tied about bowel cancer, to wear loud and wacky ties during Loud Tie week, and get sponsored for doing so. Awareness is still shockingly low, and the charity hopes that the general public will get behind this year's campaign by digging out their loudest neckwear, raising important funds and helping to spread the word about this common cancer.
Beating Bowel Cancer's Chief Executive, Hilary Whittaker, added: "As well as the important fundraising that takes place during Loud Tie Week, through dozens of regional events, this year we are proud to be spearheading the Bowel Cancer 2012 Challenge. This calls for a coordinated and national awareness and education campaign to raise the profile of bowel cancer; faster introduction and improved uptake of the current NHS bowel cancer screening programme in England, and extension of the programme to include men and women aged 50+; availability of clinically effective treatment at the right time in the right setting for all patients and the recognition of the value of prolonged life. Our overall objective, through this important policy document, is to ensure that all bowel cancer patients are given a sporting chance....and when better to review the success of our calls for action than 2012, when London will be hosting the biggest sporting event in the world."
