Sophie Anderton

Sophie's Colon Challenge 2015

Fundraising for St Mark's Hospital Foundation

Story

To all my friends and family,

its been 2 years since my introduction to long distance cycling for charity, and with itchy feet and the need to do something productive again, I really thought it was time to put all that spare time and energy (ho ho!!) into another big challenge.

This time I am raising money for bowel cancer research at St Marks Hospital Foundation in Harrow, London. This is very much at the forefront of clinical research into bowel cancer, some statistics of which are below - they're pretty grim and speak for themselves. I have personally seen the tragic impact of this disease on three lovely ladies I see every day at their cafe in Crickhowell. Their 17 year old nephew died last year from bowel cancer. A life too young to be lost, and with unimaginable pain for his family.

Research and early diagnosis is key to beating this disease and essential to help save lives.

Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK.

Around 41,600 people were diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2011 in the UK, that’s more than 110 people every day.

In 2011, around 23,200 men were diagnosed with bowel cancer in the UK making it the third most common cancer in men after prostate and lung cancer.

Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in women after breast and lung cancer, with around 18,400 new cases diagnosed in the UK in 2011.

95% of bowel cancer cases occur in people aged 50 and over.

Bowel cancer incidence rates have increased by 6% over the last decade.

So basically, it could affect any of us, or our friends. Please donate what you can and I promise I will pedal my guts out in response!

Thankyou so much.

Sophie xxx

About the charity

St Mark's Hospital Foundation

Verified by JustGiving

RCN 1140930

www.stmarkshospitalfoundation.org.uk

Our charity supports research, education & innovation at St Mark’s, the UK’s national bowel hospital. The projects we support have driven clinical improvements for patients living with complex bowel diseases, and enhanced disease understanding.