My beautiful sister-in-law, Clare, mother to my 15 year old nephew and 13 year old niece, was diagnosed with Stage 4 Bowel Cancer three days before her 40th Birthday in January this year after only falling ill a few weeks before. She has been so brave recovering from major surgery and is hoping to start chemotherapy within the next few weeks.  As a result of having emergency surgery Clare missed her first ever trip abroad to Portugal to celebrate her birthday.  She's never once complained and has been an inspiration to us all - we're all in awe of her bravery.

This has obviously come as a massive shock to her, her friends and family - a diagnosis we are all still trying to come to terms with.

Fed up of feeling useless and unable to make this horrible disease go away, I have decided to arrange a fundraiser on Saturday 6th June 2020 at our local pub, alongside her friends, colleagues and family.

I am hoping to raise a total of £2,000 which will be donated to Bowel Cancer UK's 'Never Too Young' Charity which was founded in 2013 to raise awareness of bowel cancer in the Under 50's. 

2,500 young people are diagnosed with bowel cancer every year in the UK. Research has shown that younger people have a very different experience of diagnosis, treatment and care including delays in diagnosis, access to genetic testing and a lack of awareness.  The Charity are calling for improved guidance on bowel cancer in younger people, improved identification of people with genetic conditions that could lead to bowel cancer, access to regular colonoscopies and improved information for younger people on bowel cancer symptoms.

Our fundraising slogan is - Bums, Tums and Booty's - which was chosen by Clare.  Never be embarrassed to seek help and advice if anything is wrong 'down below'.  Overcoming your embarrassment could save your life.

Any donation, however small, will be greatly appreciated.  If our cause prevents one young person from suffering from this horrible disease then our job is done.

Thank you so much for reading xx

 #bowelcanceruk

#nevertooyoung

#bumstumsandbootys