Dear friends. As you know, we are awaiting Michael’s first scans, due in July, after completing his chemotherapy for stage three bowel cancer. Diagnosed early, 92% of people are alive after 5 years, this drops below 10% for those diagnosed at stage 4. With this disease, early diagnosis saves lives. 

Every 30 minutes someone loses their life to Bowel Cancer in the UK. It is the cancer with the second highest mortality rate for women overall, and third highest for men, and yet receives little attention and fundraising compared to other cancers such as breast cancer each year. 

An estimated £4.7 billion is raised internationally for breast cancer research and awareness annually, with leukaemia and childhood cancers being next in line.  Colorectal cancers barely feature on these lists, and despite their devastating mortality rates very few people know what signs and symptoms to look out for. 

My step dad, as well as two lovely friends my age - both mums to young children - are fighting stage four bowel cancer.  They were all diagnosed far too late. 

We owe Michael’s diagnosis to the awareness they raised, inciting us to seek screening in the middle of a pandemic (despite us shielding for months for my sake) and a well trained GP who did the appropriate tests on our first visit, and referred us efficiently down the correct pathways. 

Bowel Cancer Uk work hard to raise awareness and educate people about when and how to seek screening, screening which, for us, has potentially been lifesaving. 

I’m asking you to donate what you’d spend on a cup of takeaway coffee, to motivate me (and Michael, on the days he is able) to Step Up for 30 - where we will exercise for 30 mins every day through the month of April to raise funds for this invaluable charity. Their research, awareness campaigns and training WILL save lives. 

Track my progress on Insta, or join me for a garden dance party, river walk or Zoom Pilates as we raise money for a charity very close to my heart.   

Michael’s employer will match every pound you donate! We appreciate your generosity!