In August 2022, Rich was diagnosed with Stage 4 Bowel Cancer which had spread to his liver.

The news was a shock to our entire family and bought us a ticket to a rollercoaster ride that no one wants to ride.  The following months have been unpleasant and brought sleepless nights, fear and many tears.  But we have worked through the storm together and I (Rich) could not have got there without Anny by my side.  We still face uncertain times and the fear and anxiety will be with us forever.

Cancer is a disease that affects you as much mentally as it does physically.  It takes your mind to places that are dark, and you feel scared, alone and without hope.  And that will always be there no matter what the future brings.

But I have been determined to tackle this head on, with the support of my family and friends, and continue to live life to the best of my ability, and take each day as it comes.  For me, running the marathon is about showing I can continue to challenge myself in these testing times. 

For Anny, she has watched me and supported me through my biggest ever challenge. Running the marathon is her way of putting herself through her toughest challenge, and to run it together is my way of being by her side like she was mine. 

We want to raise funds for Bowel Cancer UK to support other people going through what we have/are.  But also to support people who will have to go through this in the future.  

Importantly we also want to raise awareness of how bowel cancer affects young people too, and to raise awareness of the symptoms so that others are aware of these and can be diagnosed early and stand a better chance.

Some key stats:

- Bowel Cancer is the fourth largest cancer in the UK and the second biggest killer.

- However, bowel cancer is really treatable if diagnosed early enough.  Early diagnosis saves lives so please do check the symptoms using the link below. 

https://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/about-bowel-cancer/symptoms/

- 9 out of 10 people with bowel cancer are over 50.  I am an unlucky statistic, but it does affect young people.

- 2,600 young people (under 50) are diagnosed each year with bowel cancer.

- The "Never too Young" campaign is leading the change for younger bowel cancer patients.  The campaign is about giving young people a voice and changing the clinical practice and policy to stop young people dying of bowel cancer.  Read more at the link below.

https://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/campaigning/never-too-young/never-too-young-the-campaign/

Bowel Cancer UK fund targeted research, provide expert information and support to patients and their families, educate the public and professionals about the disease and campaign for early diagnosis and access to best treatment and care.  They are here to stop people dying of bowel cancer.

Thanks for visiting our page and for your support.