Story
Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.
On the 17th April, 2011 I will attempt to complete the London Marathon and hope to raise in excess of £3,000 for BOWEL CANCER UK.
Why Bowel Cancer? Many of you know the answer but, for those that don’t, my life has changed dramatically since the 1st February, 2010. On that day, I, as a pretty fit and healthy 25 year old, was rushed to hospital with a twisted bowel and underwent emergency surgery to remove a third of my large intestine (14 inches), that was within an estimated 2 hours of rupturing.
Fortunately I was a short ambulance drive from the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital when I collapsed and, at the hospital, the immediate and skilful action of the surgeon and his staff prevented the unthinkable, thus enabling me, slowly but progressively, over several months, to resume normal life.
Whilst my case was not cancer related I learnt a lot about bowel cancer, its symptoms and treatment, from others in my hospital ward.
My case was very unusual and the medical team at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital have been keen to determine how my life threatening condition came about in someone relatively young and fit – a question that is still unanswered today.
Hopefully, by completing the London Marathon, I will prove that it is possible to recover from major bowel surgery and raise much needed funds to aid research into a cause of the premature termination of many lives.
Having been a competitive triathlete (swimming, cycling and running), winning both national and international titles at amateur level, I would normally be entering a race, such as the London Marathon, to hit a certain time or achieve a certain position. Life is now very different as I do not know if my reconditioned body is going to be up to the task of completing 26.2 miles, let alone being competitive. My motivation is the knowledge that, with your financial support, we can help improve survival rates for those who have the misfortune to contract bowel cancer.
I started training again a couple of weeks ago, and it is unfortunately proving far from easy if only because I am finding out why we have a large intestine – without it “pit-stops” are all too frequent but, knowing of your generosity, my unpleasant discomfort will be worthwhile.
For your generosity on behalf of Bowel Cancer UK I cannot thank you enough. I now know what it is like to be close to death and survive. Together, let us hopefully give others the same opportunity.
On a completely personal and selfish note I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone again for their support this past year and in particular my friends, family and girlfriend Jules. You have given me the unending support, help and love that I needed to get through that very challenging time! Thank you!!
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PHOTOS:
As you will see I have posted a small selection of photos on the page. The medical looking shots include: my initial X-ray that was taken when I first arrived in hospital, the '2 litre coke bottle' sized section of large intestine that was subsequently removed and the 46 staples that held me together for a while.
The family shot has taken on more meaning since my surgery. It was taken the afternoon before I was rushed to hospital. At the time I was totally oblivious to what was coming and felt 100% normal. The fact I had no pain in the lead up was and probably still is a mystery to the surgeon and doctors that operated on me.
The remaining photos were taken before or during my memorable wins in triathlon. They include the 2007 World Age Group Championships in Hamburg and the 2009 UK Police Championships. When competing just like recovering, the support I am lucky enough to have received from friends and family has made the difference!