The Challenge

A team of 15 amateur trekkers accepted our challenge to trek 100 kilometres in five days through the Namib Desert, described as “one of the most inhospitable environments on the planet.”

Raising awareness of the importance of getting tested regularly for colon (bowel) cancer as well as funds for the Tom Smith Screening Fund, supporting 40tude’s Half:Time campaign.

We’re delighted that leading our challenge on the Skeleton Coast was the inspirational Annie. Annie was diagnosed with colon (rectal) cancer three years ago when she was 48 years old. She has been treated successfully but wants everyone to know how important it is to get tested regularly, to give yourself the best chance of a successful outcome.

‘It’s really simple - don’t wait – get yourself tested straightaway!” says Annie. “A FIT test is simple, quick and painless.

“I waited six months before I went to the GP with symptoms. I wasn’t offered a FIT test but I wish I had been as this would have accelerated my diagnosis. By the time I did finally receive a diagnosis and was having surgery, it was 10 months from when I’d first started having symptoms. If only I’d been offered a FIT test early on, I certainly could have avoided having major surgery and having to have a large section of my bowel removed.

“In addition, within the space of 18 months I lost my step brother (aged 49) and a close school friend (age 47) both to bowel cancer. If they had been able to take a FIT test, they might both still be here today and their children would not have lost a parent unnecessarily… It’s such a simple test and it might just make all the difference to your future.

“My advice is straightforward:

• Don’t ignore symptoms

• Ask your GP surgery for a FIT test or purchase one (see how below)

• Encourage family and friends to chat more openly about symptoms and explain how important it is for them to get tested if they are worried

• “Know your norm”…. if your daily bowel habits start to change, don’t ignore them – go and do a FIT test.

“In the meantime, if you can, please support 40tude with a donation. The work it is funding really is saving people’s lives. Thank you.”

The Cause

Colon cancer is the number one killer of non-smokers in the UK. There are 120 new cases and 50 lives lost every day. It affects both men and women.

This doesn’t have to be the case however, as colon cancer is one of the easiest cancers to treat if it is detected early. 90% of patients survive Stage 1, however only 10% survive Stage 4.

Colon cancer is on the rise in younger people. In the UK incidence rates have increased by 22% since the 1990s, the highest percentage increase in Europe.

40tude aims to raise awareness of colon cancer and the importance of reporting any symptoms as well as getting tested regularly, ideally from the age of 45, as early diagnosis saves lives.

It’s really easy to get tested: FIT is a simple test that can be done at home (you collect a small amount of poo and then post the sample to a laboratory for analysis). For our Half:Time Test Campaign, 40tude has partnered with Selph, a well-regarded provider of at-home tests. You can purchase a qFIT (high-sensitivity poo test) via this link: https://www.selph.co.uk/tests/q-fit-bowel-cancer-test

Funds raised

The team are raising funds for the Tom Smith Screening Fund, supporting 40tude’s new Half:Time Campaign.

Tom, the former Scotland rugby captain and British & Irish Lion, worked tirelessly as an ambassador for 40tude after he was diagnosed with colon cancer, from which he sadly died at the age of just 50. It was Tom’s wish that everything should be done to prevent anyone else dying from the avoidable consequences of colon cancer.

Established by 40tude in his memory, the fund will support the development of 40tude’s Half:Time Campaign, enabling more people to get tested from the age of 45 (ie. the mid-point or 'Half:Time' of life).

If you can make a donation it would be hugely appreciated. The most important thing we encourage you to do however is to get yourself tested regularly for colon cancer, and encouraged your loved ones to do the same.

Together we can prevent more families from being affected by colon cancer.