Hi everyone,

I’m 50 years old, and just a few months ago I thought I was dealing with nothing more than a stomach bug. In December, after several visits to my GP where I was told it was gastroenteritis, things didn’t improve. On 23rd December, I was sent for a scan at the hospital—and that’s when my world completely changed.

I was told I had bowel cancer, and that it had already spread to my liver.

Everything happened very quickly after that. I needed emergency surgery and had an ileostomy fitted. Instead of spending Christmas at home with loved ones, I spent it in hospital, trying to process everything and find the strength to keep going.

Since then, it’s been a journey of rebuilding—both physically and mentally. I worked hard to regain my strength so I could start chemotherapy, which began on 26th February. I’ve now successfully completed two rounds, and the doctors have been really pleased with how well I’ve handled it. I’ve recently started a third, stronger drug which is more toxic. I’ve completed my first round of that, and although it’s made me more tired, I’m still determined to keep pushing forward.

This journey hasn’t been easy, but it has shown me just how important it is to stay positive, keep moving, and focus on what I can do rather than what I can’t.

That’s why I’ve decided to set myself a challenge for April—30 minutes of activity every single day. Whether it’s walking, running, going to the gym, or just getting out and moving, I want to stay as active as I possibly can and turn something difficult into something positive.

I will be pushing myself to complete this every day, but I also know there may be days where treatment takes its toll. On those days, I’m incredibly lucky to have Kieran and Claire by my side—they will be doing this alongside me every single day, making sure the challenge continues no matter what. That means everything to me.

This isn’t just about fundraising—it’s about giving myself a focus, a reason to get up and keep going, and hopefully raising awareness along the way.

If you’re able to donate, share, or send a message of support, it would mean more than I can ever say. Every bit of encouragement genuinely helps me keep going on the tougher days.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story and for being part of this journey with me—it truly means the world.

With love,

Sarah

I’m taking part in ActiveApril for Bowel Cancer UK and raising money to help save lives and improve the quality of life of everyone affected by bowel cancer.

The money I raise will help to provide support and information to patients and their families, fund and support research into bowel cancer and support campaigns for early diagnosis and best treatment and care for all.