Chief Executive awarded MBE
Monday 13 June 2016
Bowel Cancer UK, the UK's leading bowel cancer research charity, is delighted to announce that Chief Executive Deborah Alsina has been awarded an MBE in the Queen's 90th Birthday Honours list 2016, in recognition of her service to bowel cancer patients.
Deborah, who has worked in the voluntary sector for 25 years, joined Bowel Cancer UK as Director of Services and Strategy in June 2008, a year after losing her father to the disease and was appointed Chief Executive a year later. Before joining Bowel Cancer UK, Deborah worked with a broad range of organisations from academic think tanks to charities working on international refugee and human rights issues.
During Deborah's tenure as CEO of Bowel Cancer UK, the charity has gone from strength to strength and is now a highly regarded, award-winning organisation focused on saving lives through research, education and campaigning.
Deborah's personal commitment to patients and their families and active engagement with them has ensured that they are at the heart of the charity's work and central to organisational strategy.
Deborah Alsina said: "I am humbled and honoured to be recognised in this way. Every day I speak to patients and their families and see the pain, fear and struggle they go through. I have now lost so many people to this awful disease and their memory inspires me every day. To be recognised for services to bowel cancer patients is a great honour which I want to share with everyone affected by the disease who entrusts me and all at Bowel Cancer UK with their support so together we can stop bowel cancer for good.
"Every year over 41,000 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer and over 16,000 lose their lives. I am fully committed to helping change that, so being recognised for my work with and for bowel cancer patients is an honour indeed, it's truly amazing."
A determined advocate for early diagnosis and access to best treatment and care for all, Deborah represents the charity on numerous policy advisory committees relating to bowel cancer as well as leading relationships with international partners on issues of shared concern. She is also increasingly involved in exciting new research collaborations. Frequently asked to give interviews, presentations and speeches about bowel cancer, Deborah is also one of the top 30 charity CEOs in the Social Media Awards.
Peter Sedgwick, Chair of Bowel Cancer UK commented: "Deborah has played a huge and pivotal role in the development and growing success of Bowel Cancer UK. Under her leadership it has become a leading and highly respected charity, amongst both the patient and medical communities. She inspires us all at Bowel Cancer UK with her focus and sheer hard work so we are absolutely thrilled that she has been publically recognised. It's very well deserved."
Deborah Alsina (@deborahalsina) lives in the Cotswolds with her husband and three children.
