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Why am I doing this trek?

In February 2011 I was diagnosed as having prostate cancer. I was aged 50. On 14th April 2011 I had surgery, a Radical Prostatectomy (removal of the prostate gland) and all was well. Regular checkups and scans followed. In March 2016 it was discovered that I had a cancer in my left Ureter. This is the tube along which fluids pass from the Kidneys to the bladder. After consideration, it was decided that the best option was to remove my left kidney together with the ureter in order to be sure that all signs of the cancer was removed. The operation was carried out on 14th April 2016. Frequent check ups and Scans continued. In October 2016, following a routine Colonoscopy, having been invited for this as is now normal at age 55 and over. It was devastating to be told that they had found that a bowel cancer. Once again I had surgery to remove that part of the bowel containing the tumour. On 23 December 2016 I started a course of chemotherapy to which, after ten weeks of treatment, I suffered a severe reaction to the drugs, resulting in a three week hospital stay. All three cancers were primary tumours and had not spread from the first prostate cancer. I am pleased to say that six years on from the last surgery, I am well and clear of cancer. All my surgeries, treatment, subsequent scans and ongoing checkups have been carried out at Salisbury District Hospital (SDH). The Consultants, surgeons and everyone concerned with my care have undoubtedly saved my life on at least three occasions. I owe my life to them all and wanted to give something back. In April 2022, on a nine day trip, I trekked for 110km though the desert and rugged terrain of Jordan with a team of others, raising money for the Stars Appeal at SDH so that they can continue to care for the people in our community and around the country as they did and continue to do so for me. Your support for that trek helped me raise over £6000 for this amazing charity and together the 35 trekkers raised a total of just over £101,000. Inspired by your amazing support, I have now signed up for the next challenge, so in April 2024, I, along with 34 others will be trekking through the jungle/rain forest in Colombia to the Lost City of Teyuna. It's a big ask I know, but please support me and the Stars Appeal once again. I would love to exceed the amount raised last time. I am personally funding the cost of the trip, therefore 100% of the money raised through your donations will go to the Stars Appeal Charity and they get it weekly or monthly before the trek is even done. With your help we can smash and far exceed the target. Thank you in advance. Colin.

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