I’ve set myself a massive challenge: I’ve decided to run the London Marathon for Bowel & Cancer Research in April 2019. This is going to be a HUGE deal for me, as quite frankly I’ve only ever ran for the ice cream van. 

But in all seriousness, I’m shitting myself (no pun intended). After a tough year, I needed something to focus on both physically and mentally. Running a marathon is definitely going to do that, yikes! 

So why Bowel & Cancer Research? They are an incredible charity, funding the best bowel research in the UK. Their researchers explore ways to improve diagnosis and treatment. Bowel Cancer is the 4th most common cancer in the UK.  I want to raise as much cash as I can to fight this cruel disease. 

As some of you already know (because I bang on about it all of the time), I was diagnosed with a condition called Multiple Metaplastic Polyposis in the colon at the age of 19. Basically, these are precancerous cells in the bowel. It’s pretty scary being faced with the prospect of cancer at a young age. But, thanks to amazing doctors in Truro, Cambridge and London, I’ve been monitored and carefully looked after over the years. In May this year, I had a colonoscopy which gave me the all clear for another 18 months. 

I used to think having an issue with my bowel was majorly embarrassing. Now I embrace it - I’m always talking about my bottom 💩 And much to people’s disgust 🤣

So with that in mind, I would love your support. I don’t even mind if 20p is all you can manage - it’s still 20p more than the charity had before. But if you can manage more, I would be forever grateful. 

Hopefully I can finish the marathon (my other goal is to eat lots of Haribo along the way!) And if you want to see me running in person - please come down to cheer me on - I’d love to see all of you! 

See here for further information on the charity that I am running for: https://www.bowelcancerresearch.org/

Gem xxx