Chief Rabbi Mirvis announced as patron of Bowel Cancer UK

Bowel Cancer UK is delighted to announce the appointment of Chief Rabbi Mirvis as patron of the charity, whose mission is to save lives by promoting early diagnosis and improving access to the best treatment and care for all bowel cancer patients.

Ephraim Mirvis is Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth. He is only the 11th Chief Rabbi to take up this position since the office was introduced in 1704.

Chief Rabbi Mirvis has held educational and communal positions in Israel, Ireland and has earned a reputation as one of the UK's most respected community Rabbis.

Chief Rabbi Mirvis' wife, Valerie, is a local authority senior social worker who has carried out Frontline Child Protection for many years and now works in adoption.

Chief Rabbi Mirvis said, "Bowel cancer can be a devastating diagnosis, affecting not just the individual concerned but the whole family.  That's why I very much welcome this invitation from Bowel Cancer UK to become a patron of the charity, anything I can do to help prevent families from living through this kind of experience can only be a positive thing."

Bowel cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in the UK, affecting both men and women. Every year 41,500 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer, which equates to a diagnosis every 15 minutes and around 16,000 people die of the disease.

Deborah Alsina, Chief Executive of Bowel Cancer UK, said, "We are truly honoured that Chief Rabbi Mirvis has agreed to be a patron of our charity.   We very much look forward to working with him to create more awareness of this terrible disease."

"We announced last year that we are moving into research to focus on improving access to early diagnosis, and best treatment and care by unlocking the reasons people die, piece by piece."

Bowel Cancer UK's ten year goal is to transform survival rates, from only one in every two people surviving over five years, to three out of four people surviving bowel cancer by 2025.

The charity is calling on the British public to help them put a STOP to bowel cancer and take action. From raising funds, to campaigning for change, Bowel Cancer UK is calling for help to create an unstoppable force to turn a spotlight on the UK's second biggest cancer killer and end its cruelty.