Elaine Turner from Ryde is taking on the challenge to swim 15 days in August to raise money for Bowel Cancer UK.
Elaine was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2021. When her symptoms first started, she didn’t think it could be anything serious.
Having gone through breast cancer five years ago she assumed her stomach problems were caused by the cancer medication or maybe her diet.
Through taking part in Swim15 Elaine hopes to spread awareness of the symptoms of bowel cancer and how easily they can be missed.
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.
Elaine, aged 55, said:
“One day I ended up doubled over in pain and had to ring 111. That started the process towards getting a colonoscopy.
"I was diagnosed with inoperable bowel cancer that had spread to my lungs, liver and lymph nodes.
“It’s funny, after the colonoscopy, when they were telling me and my boyfriend that they found a tumour, I just asked for another biscuit because I was so hungry.
"That’s the kind of person I am, I can be told I have bowel cancer and I still want a cup of tea and a digestive!
“They told me I only had two years left but I passed that in May. I stay positive. My approach is that I can’t do anything about my cancer, so I’ve just got to get on with it.
"I know it’s different for my children and that’s the hardest bit. I have down days when I think about leaving my boys as they are everything to me.
“I always loved swimming. Having been brought up on an island, I don’t remember ever not being able to swim. I rather sea swimming over the pool so that’s what I’m doing for Swim15.
“For all those who have been diagnosed, I want you to know that it doesn’t mean it’s the end. Don’t think the worst, just have your treatment, and make the most of your life doing the things you love.”
Luke Squires, Director of Fundraising at Bowel Cancer UK, added:
“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 Elaine 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.”
Are you 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.
More Than 70 Driving Offences Dealt With Over Two Days On Isle Of Wight Roads
Wightlink Technical Problems Lead To Cancellation Of All Fishbourne-Portsmouth Crossings
Contentious Plans For New 7,245 Square Metre Commercial Park Appealed
Wightlink Crossings Cancelled Due To Engine Issues
Four New Flats Could Be Built On Island Town's Leafy Residential Road
AI Intelligence Reducing Waiting List For Cataract Surgeries On Isle Of Wight
National Lottery Heritage Fund Awards Blackwater's Naturezones £72,400
Eight New Electric Vehicle Charging Bays To Be Built In Ryde
Councillors And Residents Accuse Developer Of Breaching Planning Condition
Emergency Crews Called To Blackgang To Tackle Fire In Open
Island MP Joe Robertson Slams Government Consultation “An Insult To Islanders”
Contentious Plans For New 7,245 Square Metre Commercial Park Appealed
Island Parish Council With "Dreadful Reputation" Descends Into Shouting Match Over Clerk Resignation
Emergency Services In Rescue Of Casualty In Water Near Ryde Pier
Motion 'To Gain Full Backing' For Isle Of Wight Farmers Tabled By Chale, Niton And Shorwell Councillor
Sale Of Former Yarmouth CE Primary School Site Moves Step Closer
Cowes Supermarket To Have 272 Rooftop Solar Panels Installed
Bid Made To Convert And Replace Island Village Tea Rooms
Cowes RNLI Lifeboat Assists In Catamaran Rescue
Crash Causes Structural Damage To Sandown Community Building
