Why am I raising money for Bowel Cancer UK?

As I approach my 49th birthday I have decided to try to raise some money and, as importantly, raise awareness about the work of Bowel Cancer UK.

I am joining Bowel Cancer UK's Swim15 challenge, so called because every 3 hours,15 people in the UK are diagnosed with bowel cancer.

During June I will be swimming at least 15km (at my local pool and maybe trying some open water swimming for the first time too!)

Before I tell you a bit about my story, in case you don't have time to read it to the end, I will start with one of my big messages (particularly to my many friends who will be turning 50 this year or next.)

When your NHS bowel cancer screening kit comes through the letter box please don't put it in the bathroom cupboard, or put it to one side "for later". Please do the test. It's really easy, it's not a big deal, it takes a couple of minutes. And, if by any slim change something shows up on it, the earlier you find out, the better chance everything can be sorted out.

As many of you will know, in November 2022 I was diagnosed with Bowel Cancer aged 46. I probably should have been thinking about bowel cancer. My dad was diagnosed with Stage 1 bowel cancer aged 58. I should have been thinking about it, but like everyone else, life was busy, life was hectic. I was young, slim, fit and healthy. My children were only 12 and 7. I was working full time as a primary school teacher. I didn't even think! I didn't have time to think! I also didn't really have any symptoms (or at least not without the magical benefit of hindsight!!)

I was very fortunate to go from my first visit to Lightwater Surgery with a vague concern, to being diagnosed and having surgery in just 6 weeks and I cannot express how grateful I am to the doctors at Lightwater Surgery and the colorectal team at Frimley Park Hospital for their incredible care. The NHS gets a lot of stick but I cannot fault them in my situation.

Just a week after my official diagnosis, I had major surgery in December 2022 to removal a significant part of my large bowel. I had to wait for a month after that to be told that it was Stage 2 and I had a good chance that I would have a positive outcome.

Despite this, it was suggested that I underwent 6 months of adjuvant chemotherapy. I was prepared to do anything to better my chances of being there long term for my children.

This was tough, with some unpleasant side effects including developing blood clots on my lungs and although it took me a while to realise it I also struggled cognitively for at least a year after treatment, also causing my mental health to take a big hit.

Throughout this time I was extremely fortunate to have the amazing support of my family, my friends, my colleagues and the charity Maggie's who were able to offer support that I just cannot thank them enough for.

I am doing well at the moment (always with a touch wood added to the end of that statement) (the blood tests, CT scans and colonoscopies carry on but that's OK, that's good) although I am not quite the same person as I was. I don't take my life for granted now. My outlook on life has changed. I won't be putting things off for another time, another week, another year, or when I retire any more!!!

I have recently started swimming in an attempt to keep fit (the reasons behind that are a whole different story!!)

When I saw this Swim15 fundraising challenge I decided to take the opportunity to combine getting fit with raising money and awareness for Bowel Cancer UK.

Bowel Cancer has had a big impact on my family. One of my grandparents, both my parents and I have now had bowel cancer.

By the time my children are adults my hope is that through continued research, early testing and even more effective treatments, bowel cancer won't be something that they will ever have to worry about.

I can't possibly write about bowel cancer without quoting the incredibly brave and inspirational Deborah James. She died in June 2022 and it is very likely that it was her story that made me decide to go to the doctors on that Friday morning in October, when I finally had the time to go because our school was closed for an extra day before half term!!

She said...

‘Find a life worth enjoying; take risks; love deeply; have no regrets; and always, always have rebellious hope. And finally, check your poo – it could just save your life.’

https://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/about-bowel-cancer/symptoms/

Thanks for reading if you got to the end of this. Sorry it was a bit long!