Amy Woodford

Oscar and I are walking 43 miles in September to raise money for Bowel Cancer UK in honour of my Dad, a bowel cancer survivor!

Oscar and I are walking 1 mile for ever 1,000 people diagnosed with bowel cancer per year.

My Dad, Rob, was diagnosed with Stage 3 Bowel Cancer in April 2023 year. This came as a complete shock as he didn’t have any symptoms up until the week he went to A&E. He was incredibly lucky to get diagnosed when he did, as his tumor was just a short amount of time away from perforating his bowel and spreading through his body. After a major operation to remove the tumor, his large colon and part of his stomach, he was on the road to recovery. 

He was advised by his oncologist to undergo 6 months of chemotherapy to reduce the risk of recurrence. Due to the size of the tumor, the fact that it had begun to perforate his bowel, and because it had begun to spread to his lymph nodes, he was at a high risk of the cancer returning & chemo would ensure this risk was reduced as much as possible.

In June he started his first cycle of chemo, which involved an IV infusion for two hours and then two weeks of chemotherapy tablets. He had many bumps in the road, including a severe case of Colitis which resulted in a long and painful stint in hospital. After this, his chemo was changed to a more mild one, and he continued until Christmas.

Dad was given the all clear just before Christmas and continues to have regular check ups, which have all been good so far!

Bowel Cancer UK is the UK's leading bowel cancer charity and we're determined to save lives and improve the quality of life of everyone affected by bowel cancer.

I’m taking part in Walkies Together this September to raise funds and help save lives and improve the quality of life of everyone affected by bowel cancer, so more people have positive outcomes like my Dad. Please support me and my fundraising.

Bowel cancer is the UK's second biggest cancer killer with more than 16,500 people dying annually of a disease that is preventable, treatable and curable.

The funds I raise will help to provide support and information to patients and their families, fund and support research into bowel cancer and support campaigns for early diagnosis and best treatment and care for all.