Hello, my name is Linda and I’m running the Great North Run on 11th September 2022 to try and raise money for Bowel Cancer UK (BCUK) and Maggie’s Centre.

Both of these charities are very close to my heart and I’d like to raise some money for them as a small thank you for the help and support I’ve received, and still receive, from them since my cancer diagnosis. Especially when I’m having one of my wobbles/anxiety/panic attacks worrying about the cancer returning, struggling with scanxiety, or suffering the aftereffects of the various operations and chemo.

My Story

I was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2018, I had surgery to remove the tumour along with a fair chuck of my bowel, followed by 3 months of chemo. Unfortunately, in 2019 a routine scan showed a nodule in my lung, which turned out to be bowel cancer. This resulted in the removal of a 1/3rd of my lung but thankfully no more chemo. A couple of other operations have followed over the past few years…. but I won’t bore you with them!

BCUK has been my go-to source of information, support and reassurance for finding out about cancer staging, treatment options and demystifying some of medical terminology as well as speaking to other bowel cancer patients on the forum and colorectal nurses.

Maggie’s Centre at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle is another fantastic organisation, they’ve helped me so much in coming to terms with my diagnosis, both mentally and physically. Their 7-week course Where now? is just fantastic. It offers support beyond treatment, helps you prepare emotionally as well as with the practicalities of living with a cancer diagnosis, going back to work, staying active and positive.

Please if you can spare even the smallest amount of money, I’ll be eternally grateful.

I’ve put some more information below about what the 2 charities do.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and in the immortal words of the gorgeous Dame Deborah James “Check your poo – it could save your life”.

Love to you all,

Linda xx

The Charities

Bowel Cancer UK www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk

Bowel cancer is the 4th most common cancer in the UK and the 2nd biggest killer! Nearly 43,000 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer every year in the UK.

Bowel cancer is treatable and curable especially if diagnosed early. Nearly everyone survives if diagnosed at an early stage, however this drops significantly as the disease develops. Early diagnosis really does save lives.

What BCUK does

We support

We provide expert information and support for everyone affected by bowel cancer. Our online forum is a place for people to talk about their experiences, share their knowledge and support each other. Our website has lots of high quality information about bowel cancer and we publish a range of helpful booklets.

We campaign

We campaign for early diagnosis and access to best treatment and care. We’re leading change for younger bowel cancer patients, campaigning to improve survival and quality of life for those with advanced bowel cancer and working to improve early diagnosis by ensuring people are getting the right test at the right time.

We support and fund research

Our research strategy puts patients and their families at the heart of our research programme ensuring they can help shape the future of bowel cancer research. We are committed to funding research that improves the prevention, early detection and treatment of the disease.

We educate

We run training, workshops and study days for healthcare professionals. We also have a dedicated team of volunteers who give free awareness talks to workplaces and community groups across the UK, spreading the word about symptoms, risk factors and bowel cancer screening.

Maggie’s Centre www.maggies.org

What Maggie’s Centres do

Here with you

We’re here for anyone with cancer and their family and friends, whatever kind of cancer, and whatever stage they’re at.

All our support is free, and no appointment or referral is needed.

Professional support

Maggie’s isn’t part of the NHS – we’re an independent charity.

Many of our staff are NHS-trained and all our Cancer Support Specialists have expert knowledge about cancer and treatment. Our centres also have psychologists and benefits advisors who are available for anyone with cancer and those close to them. We also work with experts who provide exercise groups, yoga, nutrition advice and much more.

How does Maggie’s help?

Our workshops, courses, one-to-one and group support help people to change the way they live with cancer. We focus on the things that really make a difference, like money worries, help with stress and depression, managing side-effects and relationship and family support. Our support has been shown to improve physical and emotional wellbeing and to help people take control when cancer turns life upside down.

A friendly space

Every Maggie’s is thoughtfully designed to be calming and welcoming; a place to escape from the clinical environment of the hospital. There are no reception desks and no clocks; instead, we have comfy sofas and plenty of time. Our centres have large open spaces for group activities and a kitchen table to chat to other people. We also make sure there are plenty of peaceful corners for quiet moments and a chance to gather your thoughts.