Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

On Monday 10th April, aged just 33, I was diagnosed with advanced
(stage 4) bowel cancer. This means the cancer has spread to my liver and lymph nodes. The diagnosis was a terrible shock for me and my family, my wife Caroline and our three children, Olivia aged 5, Louisa aged 3 and Pippa aged 1.

Like most men, I tend to discount concerns about my health,
but I developed a lot of pain and was bleeding when I went to the toilet. I realised that I could have bowel cancer, but at first the doctor thought I was too young and put me on a 30 week waiting list for a hospital appointment, rather than the urgent cancer referral list which was 2 weeks long. After pleading with the endoscopy department for any cancellation or appointment possible I was able to get a quicker
appointment, which confirmed that I did have cancer. You can find out more about my diagnosis by watching my video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8DBUUbbnC8. 

I have since had an operation to remove the tumour around the size of an apple and will begin chemo in about 8 weeks time. 

In Wales alone 2,335 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer
and 928 lives are lost each year. This makes it the fourth most common cancer and the second biggest cancer killer in Wales. However it shouldn’t be because it is preventable, treatable and curable if diagnosed early.

I’ve set up this page to raise awareness of bowel cancer and vital funds for Bowel Cancer UK. 

Bowel Cancer UK is the leading bowel cancer research
charity. They are determined to save lives and improve the quality of life for all those affected by bowel cancer. They support and enable research, provide expert information and education and campaign for early diagnosis and access to best treatment and care. One of their flagship campaigns is Never Too Young, https://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/campaigning/never-too-young/  which aims to improve the diagnosis, treatment and care of younger
bowel cancer patients under the age of 50.

I’d be extremely grateful for your donations.