A Ruddington resident who did her first fundraising challenge last summer to raise money for Bowel Cancer UK is encouraging other villagers to do likewise this year.
Rebecca Thompson (pictured top with her dad) wanted to take part in ‘Swim15’ because bowel cancer runs in her family. Sadly her father, Tim, died of the disease aged just 60 in January 2021.
“My dad had a cancerous polyp removed in 2017″ recalls Rebecca. “On follow up CT scans he was told that the cancer had spread, which meant it was inoperable. Unfortunately, dad’s cancer was very aggressive. He developed malignant spinal cord compression from undiagnosed spinal metastases which left him paralysed and he sadly died four months after he was told it had spread.”
Tim used to be a fireman, and played rugby until he was 58, so Rebecca says watching him being weakened by cancer and chemotherapy was devastating: “Several other members of my dad’s family have been affected by bowel cancer, including his grandfather, uncle, and cousin. I have no doubt that this disease will strike in my family again so raising money to aid research into treatment and early diagnosis of bowel cancer is of personal significance to me.”
Every 15 minutes someone is diagnosed with bowel cancer in the UK, making it the fourth most common cancer. Having never taken on a physical challenge before, 36 year-old Rebecca decided to test herself whilst raising vital funds for a cause close to her heart. By swimming 15 kilometres last August she raised £475 for Bowel Cancer UK.
The charity’s next Swim15 fundraising event takes place this August and the charity is asking people to get sponsored to complete their own swimming challenge that incorporates the number 15. Whether that’s 15 lengths a day, swim for 15 days or rack up 15km throughout the month, each fundraiser can set their own goals that suits their fitness. The funds raised will hopefully reduce the number of people dying of bowel cancer by raising awareness of the disease and funding vital services and life-saving research.
Rebecca adds: “I also work as a doctor so see many patients and their relatives affected by bowel cancer. Early diagnosis and new treatments are vital to ensure more families don’t have to suffer like mine has. Awareness of symptoms and attendance at available screening is of vital importance. I implore everyone to take up available cancer screening as it can truly save your life.”
Luke Squires, Director of Fundraising at Bowel Cancer UK, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Rebecca for taking part in Swim15, and really inspired by her for speaking so openly about her father’s diagnosis and treatment. Someone is diagnosed with bowel cancer every 15 minutes in the UK, but it’s treatable and curable if diagnosed early. The money raised by our Swim15 challenge will help us make more people aware of the signs and symptoms of the disease, provide expert information and support to patients and their families, fund vital research, and campaign for early diagnosis and access to best treatment and care.”
Are you ready to take the plunge, Ruddington? Whether it’s in open water or a pool, you’re invited to grab your goggles and help stop people dying of bowel cancer.
You can sign up for Bowel Cancer UK’s ‘Swim15’ challenge right now, and get a free swimming badge, at bowelcanceruk.org.uk/Swim15.
