I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Bowel Cancer, out of the blue. I had no prior symptoms; just a horrible pain which wouldn't go away one day. With a trip to Portugal planned for 5 days later to celebrate my Husband's 40th, I thought it best to be checked out first. Unfortunately, we didn't get to go on this occasion but I am pleased to say it has now been re-booked for this year as I have been given the all clear to fly!

In 2025 I underwent chemotherapy and immunotherapy. I had 8 sessions. Unfortunately it didn’t shrink the cancer and the scans showed it had moved right towards my ovaries and womb too. I undertook Cytoreductive Surgery with HIPEC in Basingstoke (who are the national Colon specialists) in January 2026. I am pleased to confirm the surgery was successful and they were able to remove all of the cancer and reverse my stoma. I believe this is down to the advances in technology that I was given this life saving treatment. This is why it is vital we all raise as much money as we can for such a special cause. At the beginning of March 2026 the doctors in Treliske confirmed I would not need any further treatment and instead would need to have scans only every 3 months to make sure the cancer hasn’t returned. I will always be worried that the cancer may return, but for now I am staying positive and celebrating the news, which I know only too well not all get.

Following my diagnosis, my Husband and some friends have decided to take on the challenge of cycling from St Stephen to Land's End and back (100 + miles) to raise awareness and much needed funds for Bowel Cancer. The cycle is to take place on 25th April 2026. They will be cycling through Truro, Penzance, St Just, St Ives, Hayle and Redruth before heading back to St Stephen. If any of you live in any of those towns, we will put estimated time of arrivals on Facebook nearer the time, so you can come out and show your support.

Bowel Cancer UK fund targeted research, provide expert information and support to patients and their families, educate the public and professionals about the disease and campaign for early diagnosis and access to best treatment and care.

The charity is here to stop people dying of bowel cancer.