My mum was just 54 when she died of bowel cancer in 2006. It hit me hard. Like many other parents she had kept her condition a secret from me. I knew she was ill, but only discovered the gravity of the situation three weeks before she died. It's ironic that the journalist in me didn't spot something so big, so close to home. I still kick myself about that. 

Bowel cancer is the UK's second biggest cancer killer with one person diagnosed every 15 minutes. But if it is treated early there is a 90% chance of returning to normal health.

Mum found out too late, but 10 years on from her diagnosis I want to make a difference and raise awareness of the disease by running this year's London Marathon for the charity Beating Bowel Cancer.

I’m not a runner...not even a jogger but I'm trying hard. Your support will really help. Please dig deep to raise awareness, support patients and families affected by bowel cancer, and honour my mum Carol Fenny Fletcher.  Thank you all!