Our journey with cancer was all too quick. Bolty presented with minimal symptoms but was immediately diagnosed with Stage 4 advanced bowel cancer in March 2024. He was beyond brave in his battle, but sadly lost the fight, in under a year, in early February 2025, aged 47. There was no cure available to us.

He was one of many facing this devastating disease, which is becoming increasingly common in younger adults. This is concerning, as younger individuals are usually outside national screening, often leading to delayed diagnosis. Over the past 20 years, cases of bowel cancer in people under 50 have risen sharply, yet we still don’t fully understand why.

Research shows that early-onset bowel cancer is biologically different from cases that occur later in life, but the reasons behind this are not fully understood. That’s why we’re raising funds to support a dedicated research fellow under the guidance of Dr Kai-Keen Shiu, Bolty’s incredible oncologist, at the prestigious and academic UCLH. This researcher will work to uncover the underlying biology of early-onset bowel cancer, with the ultimate goal of improving treatments and increasing survival rates for patients like Bolty.

Your donation will directly contribute to ground breaking research that could help prevent other families from enduring the pain and loss we have experienced. Any amount helps bring us one step closer to better treatments, earlier detection, and saving lives, however, to put into context the annual amount needing to fund such a cause is £40-50k.

Bolty was one of life’s good guys, he was adored and respected by all. He was devastated that his family had to endure this, and fought relentlessly and never gave up hope. We miss him daily, he was the best husband, father, friend and more.

Thank you for your support in honouring Bolty’s legacy and fighting for a future for younger bowel cancer patients.

Tiff, Ralph, Amber and Molly xxxxx