The reason for choosing the charity is unfortunately my dear Grandad has recently been diagnosed with Bowel Cancer and is due to have a tumor removed in the near future. The process has been rather quick from the first appointment when my grandad had his initial concerns to the operation being scheduled. Luckily, from the incredible research that has been done, my Grandad is fortunate enough to only need to have keyhole surgery to remove the tumor. This charity has shown that by having funding for research, there are other means to tackle cancer and the ways to destroy it without causing too much disruption to people’s lives. My Grandad has felt as though he has been supported throughout this process and always been kept up-to-date whenever new information has come to light, including the process of the operation and the aftercare.
A little about Bowel Research UK: Bowel Research UK is funding life-changing research into bowel cancer and other bowel diseases. Every year over 16,000 people die from bowel cancer in the UK and over a million suffer from bowel disease. By researching cutting edge treatments and investing in the best science, we’re saving and improving people’s lives.
Bowel Research UK was founded in 2020 following a merger between two well-respected charities: Bowel & Cancer Research and Bowel Disease Research Foundation (BDRF).
We’re the UK’s leading specialist bowel cancer and bowel disease research charity and our research is saving and improving lives.
As most of you will know, I have been swimming for over half of my life, this included competing competitively and it was something I enjoyed more than anything in the world. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 all swimming pools closed so I was unable to train. To add further delay to my return to swimming, I sustained an injury at work in March 2021 which led to me having major knee reconstruction in July 2021, which left me in a knee brace for 3 months and unable to walk properly until long after I was allowed out of the brace. I have still not returned to active duties at work and am still trying to build the strength in my knee/leg. At the current date I am starting this page (29/03/2022), I am still unable to run or jump. The reason all this information is relevant is to show that this 5K challenge will not be easy, even with my swimming background. For those unaware, a 5K in a 25m swimming pool is 200 lengths which will be an immense challenge both physically and mentally, but it is something I am prepared to put myself through as it is for such a great cause and is so close to my heart.
I will admit, I have slight concerns as I am going to complete this 5K all in one go, which will take approximately 2 hours to complete and when I start to fatigue, I’m unsure how my body will react; especially after the lack of training over the last 2 years and the injury I have sustained over the last year.
I will be keeping everyone updated after each session via my Fundraising Page and will be posting on my social media to create more awareness.
My plan is to complete this 5K swim challenge at the end of June 2022, giving me 12 weeks to try to get my fitness up to scratch. I will keep everyone informed of my progress.
The key message from Bowel Research UK is ‘the new charity, borne on the shoulders of its forebears, has great plans for the future. It will play a major part in advancing the understanding and management of all major bowel diseases by funding the brightest and best clinical and laboratory researchers. Through its efforts, the life prospects of affected people, now and in the future, will be extended and enhanced. The new charity deserves widespread support.’
Your donations will continue to develop the research and highlight the need to understand the risk factors and potential causes, as well as identifying new ways to diagnose, treat and manage them has never been more urgent. Through your donations the charity will help people with bowel diseases to live longer and improve their quality of life, just like they have with my Grandad.
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More information about this event
Name: 5K Swim Challenge
Date: 29th March 2022
Fundraising target: £500
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