Emerald Shields

I’m fundraising for Bowel Cancer UK on behalf of our friend Victoria

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.

Recently our friend Victoria was one of the 43,000 diagnosed with Bowel Cancer this year- she is only 36 years old. After training and running the London marathon, Victoria noticed a few changes in her body that didn't feel 'right' and decided to press forward in understanding why she felt the way she did. Throughout Victoria's training for the Marathon, she noticed she was losing what she describes as an 'unusual' amount of weight and although training, she knew her weight loss felt excessive. Victoria has always been active, trained in the gym, was a vegetarian for most of her life and is a non smoker. What tipped her into seeking advice was a set of symptoms, all of which were very common; She experienced lower back pain, bloating, nausea, fatigue and blood in her stool, all of which can often be mistaken as PMS. 

After getting her diagnosis through the NHS, V was left with a lot of emotions, as stated she was young and active and had no prior indication that she was sick, which have been a journey all in itself. Unfortunately Victoria's story is not uncommon, only 43% of cases in the UK of Bowel cancer are ages 75 and above. This September I am dedicating Mary (my greyhound) and I's walk to Victoria. Although V is now post surgery and recovering well, many others are not as fortunate, we thank our lucky stars for early diagnosis but this doesn't always happen for everyone. 

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 through this walk 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. 

Thank you in advance for your contribution, Mary, myself and many others affected by this disease are incredibly appreciative of the support 

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