The Challenge

This September a team of 40tuders will trek 80+km through the Sri Lanka Highlands in just four days, supporting 40tude's mission to tackle colon (bowel) cancer and honouring the legacy of our former Ambassador, the rugby legend Tom Smith.

Tom tragically died in 2022, aged just 50, after three years battling with colon cancer. During his illness he worked tirelessly to support the aims of 40tude, helping to raise awareness of this type of cancer, which can be treated if it is detected at an early stage.

As part of our commitment to Tom's legacy, the team will be officially naming a section of the trail in his name during this very special 40tude challenge.

The Cause

Colon cancer is the number one cancer 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.

Alarmingly 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 is a small but effective charity championing the early detection of colon cancer. Our aim is 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.

Funds raised

Your funds will be directed to the Tom Smith Screening Fund, supporting the expansion of 40tude’s Half:Time Test Campaign. Our innovative awareness campaign is enabling more people to get tested for colon cancer from the age of 45 (ie. the mid-point or 'Half:Time' of life).

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 in the pack provided. Don’t put it off!

For this new campaign 40tude has partnered with Selph, a well-regarded provider of at-home tests. It’s easy to buy a qFIT (high-sensitivity 'poo test') via Selph's website - go to www.selph.co.uk/tests/q-fit-bowel-cancer-test

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 for your loved ones to do the same.

Together we can honour Tom's wish that everything should be done to prevent anyone dying from the avoidable consequences of colon cancer.