Charlie’s Running the London Marathon 2025 for Bowel Cancer UK

An Exciting Journey for a Worthy Cause

On Sunday 27th April 2025, I will be taking to the streets to participate in the iconic London Marathon! This prestigious event is more than just a race for me (although, I am under a bit of pressure after my 7-year-old son, Jack, asked me to not come in last place – at this stage, I can’t promise anything); it is an amazing opportunity to support an incredible charity - Bowel Cancer UK. Bowel Cancer UK is dedicated to saving lives and improving the quality of life for all those affected by bowel cancer, and with your help and support I am honoured to contribute to their mission.

In 2003, I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis. In 2011, I had my first lot of surgery to remove most of my large intestine and my stoma inserted. In 2018, when I was 30, my surgeon, Mr Simon Bach confirmed that I needed the remaining part of my large intestine removed and my stoma was made permanent. It was during this time that a T2 bowel cancer was discovered. This came as a huge shock to my family and I; Jack wasn’t even one at this point. However, I soon found out that I was incredibly fortunate that all the cancer was successfully removed, and I did not need any further treatment for it. After 5 years of regular CT scans, in 2023 I was discharged from the hospital team. We cannot be more thankful to Simon Bach, his team and the wonderful Stoma Nurses at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham for everything that they did for me. It is during times like this that you realise how lucky you are and to make the most of everyday!

So, I have been training regularly for the London Marathon, doing some form of exercise most days and now I cannot wait for the big day! Not only is it important to me to achieve my goal of raising money for this fantastic charity, but to show others going through bowel cancer/bowel surgery that they can also come back stronger and fitter. I want you to know that anything is possible!

Bowel cancer is the UK’s fourth most common cancer and the second biggest cancer killer. When diagnosed at the earliest stages, bowel cancer is treatable and curable. With the money we raise, it enables Bowel Cancer UK to support and 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.

So please, if you are able to make a small donation for this worthy cause, I would be so grateful. My goal is £2500 by the big day - Sunday 27th April 2025! If you can click the link to donate and share my page with your family and friends, it would be hugely appreciated.

I would also like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to my amazing family and friends, I wouldn’t have got through all of this without you and be where I am today.

Thank you so much,

Lots of love,

Charlie

Beating bowel cancer together!