The campaign, spearheaded by Rawda Jehanli during her mayoral tenure, managed to collect the impressive sum for Occtopus, a charity dedicated to supporting individuals with colorectal ailments such as bowel cancer, Crohn’s, and Colitis.

In addition to advancing vital research, the money will significantly contribute to patient wellbeing undertakings and enhanced colorectal care at the hospital.

During her visit, Mayor Jehanli engaged with the colorectal department, learning more about the issues faced by patients and the critical role Occtopus plays in their recovery process.

Reflecting on the experience, the mayor emphasised her personal connection to the charity following her own bowel cancer diagnosis in 2023.

Speaking about the visit, Mayor Jehanli expressed her gratitude for the medical professionals at the hospital, noting their dedication and commitment to patient wellbeing.

“I have directly experienced the importance of exceptional care during a colorectal cancer diagnosis and wanted to not only give something back but also raise awareness on the importance of knowing the bowel cancer symptoms because the earlier it is treated, the better the outcomes,” she said.

Occtopus and Oxford University Hospitals representatives expressed thanks to the mayor and her local supporters for their dedication to boosting patient care across Oxfordshire.

The charity, since its inception, has pioneered groundbreaking treatments for colorectal cancer, colitis, and Crohn’s, while also funding national and international research projects to enhance patient care standards.

Plum Tree Cottage, a detached property with Victorian origins, is located in the centre of Oakley.

The house is described as offering an ‘appealing balance of period character and practical modern living’.

It sits back from the main road and is situated just a short distance from the local pub, The Chandos Arms.

The dining room is intended for family meals and social gatherings, according to the listing (Image: Thomas Merrifield Bicester)

Inside, the accommodation is arranged around a hallway.

There are two reception rooms, both described as ‘well-balanced and light-filled’.

The sitting room has a dual aspect and a log burner, which is said to create ‘warmth and atmosphere’.

The sitting room’s log burner is said to create ‘warmth and atmosphere’ (Image: Thomas Merrifield Bicester)

The dining room is intended for family meals and social gatherings.

The kitchen provides storage and work surfaces and is accompanied by a separate utility room.

The kitchen offers storage and work surfaces (Image: Thomas Merrifield Bicester)

Upstairs are four bedrooms.

The main bedroom has dual aspect windows and an en-suite which has been ‘stylishly refitted’, according to the listing.

The other bedrooms are served by a modern family bathroom.

The cottage is on the market for a guide price of £650,000 (Image: Thomas Merrifield Bicester)

A west-facing rear garden is noted as a highlight, being described as ‘bathed in afternoon and evening sunlight’.

A west-facing rear garden is ‘bathed in afternoon and evening sunlight’ (Image: Thomas Merrifield Bicester)

Outdoor space is intended for dining, gardening, or quiet relaxation, according to the listing.

An outdoor space offers a space for dining, gardening or relaxation (Image: Thomas Merrifield Bicester)

An attached single garage comes with an electric door and off-street parking. Wiring has been installed for an electric vehicle charging point.

Oakley is surrounded by Buckinghamshire countryside with transport links to Bicester, Thame and Oxford.

The listing describes the location as ‘prime central,’ with village amenities and a community spirit.

Daniel Wadsworth has been named independent chair of the Greater Leys Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board in Oxford.

He will guide the delivery of a 10-year, government-funded scheme focused on strengthening and improving the local area.

Mr Wadsworth said: “This is a once in a generation chance to make a huge difference to the Leys.

“It’s a chance for people to come together and have their say on what they feel is needed and what they’d like to have in the future.

“I’m very honoured to be playing a part in this and look forward to working with everyone to make this happen.”

A resident of Greater Leys since 2015, Mr Wadsworth has lived in Oxford for 30 years and brings significant experience to the role.

He is director of Jessop and Cook Architects and has served as a parish councillor for Blackbird Leys and chair of several organisations, including the children’s charity Parasol Project.

He currently chairs The Leys CDI.

Mr Wadsworth will lead the Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board in developing a long-term vision and investment plan for Greater Leys.

The 10-year plan must be approved by central government to unlock phased funding under the scheme.

He will also ensure the programme remains community-driven.

Recruitment for the chair position involved an extensive engagement process.

A selection panel conducted interviews and included Anneliese Dodds MP, Oxford City councillor Linda Smith, and the locality manager for the Leys.

A community advisory panel, including representatives from youth groups, community organisations, and the Tenant Involvement Panel, also contributed to the process.

Ms Dodds said: “The Pride in Place programme gives local residents control over a pot of £20 million to spend on their priorities, in their area, over the next ten years.

“As the Chair of this programme we needed a Greater Leys resident who was in touch with and committed to the local community.

“Our open and thorough recruitment process has found exactly such a person – Dan Wadsworth.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has been involved and look forward to the next stages of the programme and what it can achieve.”

The next step will be to recruit members for the Neighbourhood Board.

It will be largely made up of local residents, community members, and representatives from voluntary organisations, and will also include at least one councillor and the local MP.

Councillor Smith said: “Dan Wadsworth is a local resident of Greater Leys with a track record of commitment and involvement in the local community as well as the necessary skills to lead this major programme of investment in Greater Leys.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how he delivers real improvements and benefits for local people.”