Back on August 17th 2017 we found out the life changing news my father was diagnosed with rectal cancer. It was news i thought would never affect me and my family my naivety or ignorance to the disease caught me out and i instantly thought i was losing my dad and best mate not thinking about the options aviailable to him.

Weeks leading up to his surgery was a whirlwind of scans, meetings, and appointments. Throughout from start to finish he had the best care anybody could wish for. From the GP at Kidwelly Surgery, Endoscopy, X Ray, Consultants, all the staff in Theatre, HDU, Preseli Ward, Colorectal Specialist, Nurses, Physiotherapy, District Nurses, and Chemotherapy unit.

Thankfully with Dads positive mental attitude and the A teams that looked after him, im happy to say he has made a full recovery, and continues to be in their care for surveillance.

The main reason for me taking on this half marathon is to raise some much needed funds for the amazing Colorectal unit in Glangwili who i owe everything for my Dad still being here. Id also like to raise awareness for people to check for any signs and to react quickly. If Dad hadnt taken action as soon as he noticed a difference we may not have been so fortunite and able to treat the cancer so succesfully. More information can be found here on symptons and treatments: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bowel-cancer-screening/

Finally probably the most important message to spread doing this is to give people hope and positive mind set when they have the daunting task of taking on Cancer. I honestly believe half the battle was Dads amazing positive mental attitude and keeping up the fight to see his grand daughter growing up. Having cancer doesnt mean we should give up and admit defeat like my original mind set because there are amazing people and specialists who live to beat the disease.