On 3rd August 2024, I will be running the Round the Rock 2024 Ultra run – the 48 mile circuit of Jersey, in aid of the Lynch syndrome research programme at the UK National Bowel Hospital – St Mark’s in London.

I was diagnosed with an aggressive form colon cancer in January 2024, 2 months after our family home in St Martin took a direct hit from the tornado early in the night of Storm Ciaran.

Following excellent support from the Jersey based endoscopy and surgical teams I was referred to the specialist surgical and lynch research team from St Mark’s London; the UK National Bowel Hospital. Serendipitously, my surgeon was Jersey raised and schooled Professor Omar Faiz – now an international expert on complex bowel and intestinal issues.

On 6th Feb 2024 I underwent a 6 hour surgery, removing the cancer along with the bulk of my large bowel and reconnecting my internal plumbing! Following recovery, I have been able to return to running, with it providing welcome fresh air and exercise as a type of therapy.

It’s has been a long journey to reach this point: After losing my father and 2 uncles to bowel cancer in the early 2000s, I underwent testing and was confirmed to have Lynch – a genetic flaw that significantly increases the likelihood of suffering colon cancer. I have been regularly screened since then, with techniques evolving as research progresses.

Whilst it’s estimated that 1 in 400 of the UK population have Lynch, only 5% are aware of this. The research team at St Mark’s have a clear objective: to find the people with Lynch, test them, get them into bespoke screening programmes and reduce their risk of cancer. Ultimately no one with Lynch syndrome should die of colon cancer.

To this end, the St Mark’s team have mobilised initiatives to find people with Lynch and provide bespoke screening to reduce the risk of cancer. Recently developed immunotherapy treatments supported via national and international research (including the St Mark’s team) can now be used to melt away cancer, significantly reducing the severity of surgery needed and improving patient outcomes.

These breakthrough treatments whilst mobilised and driven from research in the UK are equally accessible from Jersey – proven by my own experience. They have been hailed a ‘gamechanger’ for some bowel cancer patients and the techniques are increasingly relevant to many other cancer types.

To support the ongoing research by this expert team, I shall be running Round the Rock on 3rd August 2024 - a 48 mile anti-clockwise circuit of Jersey. All funds raised will support the Lynch research programme at St Mark’s. This is a very personal story for me as in addition to my own experience, my brother is currently undergoing immunotherapy treatment for a similar linked cancer.

I have run Round the Rock before, but it’s a little different with only 10cm of your colon left! Thank you for reading and please give generously if you are able.

RtR Background: Round the Rock: https://roundtherock.co.uk/round-the-rock-jersey/

Made up of solo (full circuit), relay, marathon and half marathon options, 3rd August will see 250 participants take part in this unique experience. Fantastically organised by Trail Monkey, the event has proven to be a favourite for many runners, who return year after year to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, fantastic scenery and awesome experience of a circuit of Jersey.