BOWELS IN MOTION is again raising funds in support of Bowel Cancer!!

Mark Harrington and Dean Hands are at it again!!

This time it’s Kilimanjaro – The Big Climb!!

Following on from the successful Lands End to John o’ Groats fund raising cycle ride last year (see the photograph taken at John O’Groats), Mark Harrington and friend Dean Hands are to embark on an epic climb up Kilimanjaro on September 25th, 2025, to once again raise much needed funds in aid of Bowel Cancer.

Mark, a devoted family man with children and grandchildren, has always been an avid enthusiast of extreme sports. However, in 2023, he began experiencing health issues. Despite being initially told three times that his symptoms were due to stress and IBS, he persevered with his bustling lifestyle. Unfortunately, his condition worsened, leading to severe sickness and excruciating pain. At this point, he was urgently directed to A&E, where he underwent surgery within 24 hours. Mark had a significant bowel mass and 27 polyps removed, and his life was saved thanks to the skill of Mr. Henry Ferguson and the dedicated Bowel Cancer Care team at Warwick Hospital. Following the surgery, Mark underwent three months of chemotherapy at Stratford Rigby Unit, where he received exceptional care and support. Mark believed he had been given a second chance at life. In gratitude, he is determined to give back to the Warwick Hospital Bowel Care unit and the ABC Club, a local bowel cancer support group which provides help to both patients and their families during and after their battle with Bowel Cancer. Supported by his family and friends, Mark and his 3-man Team embarked on an epic cycle ride from Land’s End to John o' Groats titled "BOWELS IN MOTION" in June 2023. Their mission was to raise awareness about life after Bowel Cancer and they completed this 10-day journey, covering up to 100 miles each day.

Sufficient money was raised to create a specialist quiet room for patient diagnosis and care in the newly created Harrington Suite.

Please see text of the Press Release below;

Harrington Suite opens at Warwick Hospital after Patient’s epic fundraising challenge

SWFT Charity is proud to announce the official opening of the Harrington Suite, a new Colorectal Care facility.

This new facility was made possible thanks to the tremendous fundraising efforts of local resident, and Harrington Suite namesake, Mark Harrington, a bowel cancer patient who had lifesaving surgery at Warwick Hospital in 2023. Mark raised a tremendous £9320 for SWFT Charity via an epic bike ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats last summer with friend, Dean Hands.

The opening of the Harrington Suite is a testament to the dedication and generosity of individuals like Mark, who was closely supported by the ABC Club (Affected by Bowel Cancer). The club is based at Warwick Hospital and supports all patients living with bowel cancer across the local area.

Mark said, “The Harrington Suite is a much-needed facility for both patients and medical staff. Patient diagnosis and care can now be attended to in a private, relaxed environment. I am proud to have played a part in its creation.”

Brian Wakefield, Chair of the ABC Club said, “The official opening of the Harrington Suite is the culmination of a lot of effort by all concerned, but especially Mark who undertook this arduous cycle event. We, the ABC Club, are proud to have been able to contribute and to see the very valuable new Harrington Suite fully operational. We are also honoured to have Mark as one of our loyal members. This month also marks 20 years since Lynn Barber took on a 77 mile walk to raise funds to enable the ABC Club to be formed, and since then we have been able help many fellow patients in a variety of ways. A huge thank you to Mark and Lynn”.

Looking ahead, Mark has already set his sights on even more ambitious fundraising goals. In September 2025, he plans to take on the challenge of hiking Mount Kilimanjaro to raise further funds to tackle bowel cancer, continuing his mission to give back to the community.

A SWFT Charity spokesperson said, “We can’t thank Mark and the ABC Club enough for their support, and it is great to see Mark is already relishing his next challenge! Patients like Mark that choose to give back help us to enhance care beyond the NHS standard for future patients and their families”

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