In a few days I will be flying to Sri Lanka for 40tude's Sri Lanka Highlands Challenge, we’ll trek 80km over 4 days, hoping to raise vital awareness and funds which will be directed to the Tom Smith Screening Fund.

Obviously this is hugely personal to me and I cannot stress enough the importance of self awareness and early screening. It was 7 years ago this week that after a number of doctors appointments and what had become unbearable stomach pains I took Tom to Urgences in Libourne. The journey that would change all of our lives in every possible and heartbreaking way. We will never know how much of a difference it could have made had Tom’s colon cancer been caught earlier but we can try to stop it from happening to anyone else.

Colon (bowel) cancer is the biggest cancer killer of non-smokers in the UK, but it is one of the easiest cancers to treat if it is detected early.

‘Through its innovative Half:Time Test Campaign, 40tude aims to raise awareness of the importance of getting tested regularly for this treatable cancer from the age of 45, 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. 40tude has partnered with Selph, a well-regarded provider of at-home tests. You can buy a qFIT (high-sensitivity poo test) via Selph's website at: https://www.selph.co.uk/tests/q-fit-bowel-cancer-test ‘

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

40tude does an amazing job funding kits for people who wouldn’t ordinarily qualify for screening. With cases rising year after year, every donation and every share will make a difference.

THANK YOU ❤️.