Story
Today, I paddleboarded 8km along the length of Lake Coniston and it took me 2 hours and 2 minutes. Thank you to everyone who sponsored me.
My work as a surgeon is dedicated to the prevention of anal cancer which I have seen wreck the lives of many. The Anal Cancer Foundation helped set up the International Anal Neoplasia Society which I have the honour to be the Vice President of and with the help of the ACF, we will further research into anal cancer prevention. The ACF, set up by the children of a woman who died too young of anal cancer provides amazing support for patients who have been diagnosed with this debilitating disease.
I'm paddleboarding as I took up this relaxed sport in the pandemic and have enjoyed taking on longer and longer challenges. This will be my longest paddleboard yet and the peaceful setting of Lake Coniston is also the setting of Swallows and Amazons, surrounded by mountains in the Lake District. My Dad accompanied me on a support boat, and remembered his own swim of this same Coniston 47 years ago at the same time. I was grateful not to be swimming it.
The Anal Cancer Foundation is dedicated to empowering anal cancer patients and accelerating prevention and treatment methods that eliminate anal cancer and the virus that causes the majority of cases, HPV. Over 8,000 people will be diagnosed with anal cancer in the US and UK this year. Specifically, we:- Provide support for survivors, caregivers, scientists and providers connected to anal cancer- Accelerate a cure for anal cancer and other HPV-related cancers- Advocate for prevention methods such as gender neutral HPV vaccination.