By Isle of Wight Observer
As a GP, I routinely see all sides of life on the Isle of Wight. In the past week, I have seen the absolute best: creativity, generosity, camaraderie, positivity, and partnership.
I am talking about the ‘Your Loo Could Save You’ campaign launched last week by One Wight Health – the federation of the Island’s GP practices – to raise awareness about bowel cancer.
In an effort to ensure the campaign launch made a splash (it really is amazing how many puns can be coined about toilets and other scatological matters!) we devised an idea with communications company, Robertson Foster, to place decorative toilets around various Island locations. The aim was to create an air of intrigue and mystery, to get people talking, ahead of a big reveal.
The collaboration that followed saw an idea leap from the drawing board into reality in a little over two weeks.
First, Woods Trade Supplies generously gave us five complete porcelain toilet units – thankfully brand new. Then, via Creative Island’s IW Creative Network, we asked local artists to come forward and agree to let their imagination loos(e). Within a week, five artists had delivered magnificently crafted toilets for free. Holly Maslen’s intricate monochrome, Josh Raffell’s incredible Harley Davison, Gemma Mallinson’s beautiful floral and textile creation, Nathan Holt’s bold, gold, throne and Maddy Dobson’s sumptuous cactus design.
Island Roads’ Nick Raynor then applied bases and supports to make them safe for public display, and Staddlestones lent a new electric van to distribute the toilets which was done under cover of darkness by our team.
Yarmouth Harbour Commissioners, the IW Council, Ventnor Town Council, Harvey Browns and Northwood House couldn’t have been more enthusiastic and accommodating when asked to host the toilets.
The public reaction was brilliant. Leaving us all delighted that the launch was a success, but also humbled by the way the Island’s famous community spirit had rallied in support of what we were trying to achieve. It was community cohesion at its finest – a reminder of what the Island achieves when it pulls together.
So to the campaign itself. The toilet was chosen as a symbol because some of the key symptoms are linked to going to the loo. Though bowel cancer is the fourth most common type of the disease, it is also one of the most treatable, with early detection. Nine out of ten cases caught early are treated successfully – that is why it’s so important to look out for the symptoms.
Your toilet could tell you more than you think – and noticing changes in your bowel habits or noticing blood in your poo is important. We want people to not be embarrassed to talk about it with their GP practice and to seek help if they spot these signs. As Josh Raffell’s slogan on his Harley said: “There’s no shame in lookin’.”
It’s most likely nothing to worry about, but it’s much better to get it checked and tackling it early on can make all the difference if treatment is needed.
These are the messages we’ll be seeking to get over to the public in the coming months. And we’re raring to go, having got off – thanks to the Island’s unique community spirit – to a flying start.
If the campaign continues to be flushed with success, then lives on the Island will be saved. It really is as simple as that and what better motivation can there be for getting behind it?
Our heartfelt thanks to all those who have done so already.
For more information visit www.yourloocouldsaveyou.co.uk.