A Plymouth woman who was diagnosed with bowel cancer in her late twenties is taking on the challenge to swim 15 kilometres in August to raise money for Bowel Cancer UK.
Lydia Cook, who lives in Eggbuckland, was diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer 15 years ago, so she thought it was a fitting time to take part in the Swim15 challenge and raise money for Bowel Cancer UK.
Every 15 minutes someone is diagnosed with bowel cancer in the UK, making it the fourth most common cancer.
Bowel Cancer UK’s Swim15 fundraising event takes place in August and asks people to get sponsored to complete their own swimming challenge that incorporates the number 15. Whether that’s 15 laps a day, swimming for 15 days or racking up 15km throughout the month, each fundraiser can set their own goals that suits their fitness. The funds raised will help stop people dying of bowel cancer by raising awareness of the disease, and funding vital services and lifesaving research.
Lydia, aged 42 said:
“I was diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer when I was only 27 years old. I had three very young children at the time and was so scared of not being around to see them grow up. I faced operations, living with a stoma while my bowel healed and intensive chemotherapy. These were very challenging times, but I’m here to tell my story and want to raise awareness and help others to tell theirs.
“I have chosen to swim 15km in August because I enjoy a challenge, and it’s been 15 years since my diagnosis. It’s so important to keep raising money and awareness for this charity so they can continue to help save lives and support people who are living with bowel cancer.”
Luke Squires, director of fundraising at Bowel Cancer UK, said:
“Someone is diagnosed with bowel cancer every 15 minutes in the UK, but it’s treatable and curable if diagnosed early.
The funds raised by our Swim15 challenge will help us continue to save lives and improve the quality of life of everyone affected by the disease.
“We are so grateful to Lydia for taking part in Swim15 and really inspired by her for speaking so openly about her diagnosis and treatment. Make a splash this August and join us in helping to create a future where nobody dies of bowel cancer.”
Anyone who is ready to take the plunge, whether it’s in open water or a pool, grab your goggles and help stop people dying of bowel cancer. Sign up today for Bowel Cancer UK’s Swim15 challenge and get a free swimming badge: bowelcanceruk.org.uk/Swim15
