In 2001 I lost a dear friend, Lucilla, to Oesophageal Cancer. Like many people in Ireland I had not known about this illness or the symptoms until it was too late.In response to Lucilla's loss, the Oesophageal Cancer Fund (OCF) was born. Our missions: 1) Make Oesophageal Cancer a treatable illness by empowering the Irish public to detect it early and report immediately to their GP; 2) Fund private medical research to improve diagnostic and surgical techniques in Ireland.Lollipop Day, our charity's national fundraising event, has the dual purpose of raising awareness and funding. Our emblem, a heart-shaped lollipop, is also our main fundraising device. Every February our amazing network of volunteers sell €3 lollies in companies, towns & cities all over Ireland. People also run their own independent events throughout the year which we help promote.To-date our nationwide Lollipop Day fundraiser has generously helped raise €3,000,000 for the Oesophageal Cancer Fund. Our 2020 aim is to top this number. to continue to fund vital research for the island of Ireland, resulting in unique and valuable opportunities for wider cancer research funding collaborations. Together is better. Collaboration creates change.