May I introduce “Brian” – if you haven’t already met on a previous occasion!
However, you may not recognize him from the last pictures, as Brian has had a fabulous makeover and he is now quite a(n) (eye)catch(er)! I’ve fallen in love with him and can’t wait to take this little cutie out on the town!
Spot the difference?!
What a transformation thanks to the team at Westover Nissan, kindly coordinated by their Marketing Department’s Sallyann Tanner. The Nissan S Cargo, recently donated by former patient Nigel Purseglove, is already out and about for the charity, drawing the attention of passers-by and raising awareness of head and neck cancer.
Brian’s first public appearance was at the Beaulieu MotorMart Autojumble in the New Forest in May, where attendance figures for this popular show were up on last year.
Visitors to the About Face stand were asked to complete a short questionnaire about oral health – see About Face Press Release May 2010
Sallyann (Westover Nissan) & Ian (About Face)
Ian, Tony and Laura deep in conversation
The charity’s Frances Burden, Tony Pigott and Ian Catley were joined by Laura Lamble and Stephen and Christine Barrow. Like Laura and several other former head and neck cancer patients, Stephen has kindly agreed to share his story which will appear in my next blog.
As with all About Face volunteers, they are keen to spread awareness, particularly of mouth cancer, and the need for early detection. Their hard work over that weekend certainly had the desired effect as I overheard the conversation of a middle aged gentleman after he had talked to them:
“I’d never, ever heard of mouth cancer and didn’t realise what my dentist should be checking for. I’ve got an appointment next week so I’m going to see what he does!”
Here is a short (and very amateurish first attempt) video interview I made with Ian Catley, where I asked him why About Face were at Beaulieu.
You can click here to see what else is going on at Beaulieu, including Russell Watson’s forthcoming concert there… mmm… wonder if their Events Team will call me in to help! I’m afraid Brian would have some competition there for my affections!!
More on Brian’s escapades to come, including his recent appearance at the Bournemouth & Poole Preservation Club’s Steam & Vehicle Rally. In the meantime, here is a little reminder of who the charity’s Nissan S Cargo is named after!
PS:
A special thank you for Edwards Heavies of Lymington (Stone Washed Rugby Shirts & Casual Wear) who were on the stand next door, for kindly donating baseball hats to the charity which were then given away free to those who completed an About Face survey!
