Clare's Story

On 6th April 2020 I was diagnosed with T4 bowel cancer. BANG, in a split second my world imploded, no one ever expects to hear that diagnosis. I was sent for more tests and the situation got worse, not better. Hearing the words metastatic (meaning it’s spread beyond the bowel) and incurable, it was like having an out of body experience. But within seconds, still sat there in front of my oncology team, I knew that I was going to come out fighting. Cancer really had picked on the wrong girl.

And fight I have, in the last year I’ve had over 6 months of chemotherapy as well as major surgery. The recovery was tough, but by the new year I was starting to feel more like me. I started back at work in March 2021 which was another huge milestone reached. I don’t think anyone thought I’d get to this point.

And while I’m feeling good, I wanted to do something to help a charity that does an amazing job helping others in similar situations to me. Alongside my partner in crime Kate Baxter (my forever wine friend), I’ll be taking part in the “Step Up for 30” challenge – run by Bowel Cancer UK, which entails exercise every day for the month of April.  We’ll be either running, getting our Joe Wicks fix on, cycling or doing some yoga each and every day. And we’ll also have friends and family joining us for guest slots throughout the month.

Anything you can donate to support the cause would be hugely appreciated - as you know it isn’t like me to do a challenge like this but it’s something I really want to help support. This is no April fools...

Thanks guys! Parky xx

Kate's Story

When your best bud tells you she has been diagnosed with incurable cancer, your heart stops.

Before cancer and covid, my adventure buddy and I could be found on Friday nights in any London pub with a glass of wine in hand. On weekends, we would be strolling around National Trust properties or walking through the countryside searching for roast lunch. During the summer, you'd be sure to find us someplace in Europe, on holidays, basking in the sun by a body of water.

Parky has been busy kicking cancers butt this year. Despite everything, mid chemo, PICC line in place and causing her grief, and now post-op, we were still out adventuring, rambling in Wimbledon Common or pounding the pavement along the Thames Path. After her having already smashed PE with Joe earlier in the morning. Her determination is beyond belief.

Like all good adventures, I agreed to this a little too quickly after a large glass of wine. However, I wouldn't miss it for the world.

We are supporting Bowel Cancer UK, one of several amazing charities that fund cancer research and provide support to Parky and others affected by cancer.