A few weeks ago I reached the half way point of my LiA project. I have been working with the Oesophageal Cancer Fund in Dublin, contributing to the planning of their annual Lollipop Day Campaign, as well completing a review into the effects of exercise on people with oesophageal cancer.

So far I've found the experience extremely rewarding. From building both practical skills to personal leadership skills, I have certainly been kept busy over the past few weeks.

After a rocky start to my LiA involving a power cut and move into temporary accommodation, I was able to get on track and settled in week 2. After the disruption with my accommodation in week 1, I did not manage to complete all the tasks I had originally set out for myself in that timeframe, but after some hard work and reworking of my plan, I was back on track by week 3. 

Having never worked in the charities sector before, I am being exposed to the inner workings of a small charity in Dublin. The compassion that each individual who works there has never fails to take me aback. Given that there are only 4 permanent staff at the charity, a wide range of responsibilities falls to each of the team, and since my arrival, I have been treated as though I am one of them. They have been incredibly welcoming and have made me feel completely at home.

One interaction that particularly stood out to me was learning that the charity CEO's husband is a survivor of Oesophageal Cancer. Listening to first hand accounts of how the disease impacts the lives of not just the diagnosed, but their families and friends too caused my contributions to take a more compassionate and emotional point of view than before, something I was not expecting to happen.

I am excited for what the next 3 weeks hold for me, and am looking forward to continuing my work on the Lollipop Day Campaign, Review into Exercise of OC and developing my personal leadership skills.