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Victoria & Lynn

#auguts hard to talk about

Victoria and Lynn are both survivors of stage 3 bowel cancer, and live with long-term effects of their treatment. As CEO of Bowel Research UK, Lynn has a unique insight into bowel disease research and shares her hopes for the future.

Victoria Gaston had three cancers in three years, including bowel cancer which led to her losing a significant portion of her bowel. Since then, she has found herself in embarrassing situations due to the long-term effects of bowel surgery, such as incontinence. Despite this, she hopes that in sharing her story and experiences through the power of open and candid conversation, she can help to normalise these topics and encourage others to feel comfortable with discussing their bowel function.
Lynn Dunne is in the unique position of being both a bowel cancer survivor and the CEO of Bowel Research UK. She was diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer in 2020 and is passionate about funding new research into treatments and cures. She and Victoria share a passion for helping people “get comfortable with the uncomfortable” during the #auguts campaign and beyond. Watch their open and empathetic conversation about the long-term effects of bowel surgery and the stigma around bowel cancer.

On the importance or research, Victoria says: “Victoria: I think getting comfortable with the uncomfortable. That’s what it’s all about. I took huge comfort from hearing other people’s stories. I want other people facing the same issues to not be embarrassed, to not feel that humiliation and to not feel like they can’t talk about it, because talking about it is the most important thing.”

And, Lynn says: “I’m a Stage 3 bowel cancer survivor and I am passionate about this work. I want people to know that because I know what research has done 20 years ago means that we are able to be here today. That’s why I want to do more research, that’s why I want to get the word there. There is a cure for bowel cancer and bowel diseases and it’s called research and in another 20 years’ time we’ll have more great treatments and even cures.”

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#auguts stories, tips and recipes

Gut health is unique to you, so hear from experts, people with lived experience and the community to find out ways they manage their gut health. Scientists believe that, from birth, the gut microbiome is linked to virtually every aspect of our health. There is still much more to discover but take your first step here.

Lisa

In 2005 I had a c-section with twins and after that I struggled with abdominal pain and some incontinence for years afterwards. This was diagnosed as IBS. In 2016 the incontinence got worse but this time with bleeding. I went to my GP and was referred for tests within three weeks.

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Rebecca shares her story from diagnosis with IBD to Bowel Cancer and the importance of research. A keen allotment grower, Rebecca joined the charity at the debut of the Bowel Research UK Microbiome Garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024. 

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The environment with Sid Hill and Chris Hull

Sid Hill and Chris Hull, created, the Bowel Research UK Microbiome Garden, an edible meadow focussing on the connection between the ecological health of the landscape, it’s soil and the health of our own gut microbiome. 

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    Find out more about #auguts

    Welcome to our #auguts campaign. This year we are focussing on the MicrobioME because gut health is unique to you. Discover our recipes, share your tips and get comfortable with the uncomfortable.

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