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I am running the London Marathon in memory of my husband Neil and father to our two-year-old son, Finley Bear. Neil and I would have been together 10 years to date but sadly Neil lost his courageous battle of 18 months to bowel cancer. 

Neil as a teenager and under private medical care, was diagnosed with colitis, but always hid his illness well from others. I met Neil in our early 20s and didn’t know much about his condition plus I must state that it never bothered me that he had this condition.  It was managed well at the time by medication and regular check-ups by specialist doctors. 

After we got married in June 2015, Neil started to struggle to manage his condition. By this time Neil was now under the care of the NHS, so we approached the specialists there, who had been made aware of his condition. Here they tried different medications to manage his illness and help with the flare up issues he was experiencing.

During the next 18 months Neil’s colitis was sadly mismanaged and neglected. Simple investigations and procedures where not followed or performed.  Currently, we were expecting our first child on 4th December 2016 and I was 7 months pregnant. Neil at this stage admitted himself to A&E and then we were given the devasting news after surgery, and after numerous attempts to be helped, that he had bowel cancer.

After days of no updates, we were informed that Neil had not only bowel cancer, but secondary cancers too. We were now in complete shock and the next 18 months were a complete rollercoaster of anger, upset, anguish and disbelief.

Neil was our hero, he dealt with so much when first diagnosed with colitis as teenager and always remained so strong and positive throughout.  Even after being diagnosed with cancer this loving positive man kept this strength, his sense of humour and witty remarks even though he was in so much pain, along with maintaining a brave face for everyone in his family so that they would not be worried. 

The reason we are supporting and fundraising the Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation is because if Neil’s condition had been well managed and monitored regularly with the correct care and knowledge, he may never have got bowel cancer or diagnosed at its early stages making it treatable, therefore everyone needs to be more aware of the symptoms and treatment available, so the fight of winning the battle against cancer can exist.

As a family and living with a loved one going through this awful situation has been heart breaking to say the least. Yes, there are organisations out there who offer help and support, but sadly our experience was limited so therefore we have chosen to support this organisation.

Please get donating! Also running alongside Simon Bolton, Neil’s friend and work colleague from Profusion. Simon is also raising money for Crohns and Colitis in memory of Neil.