JAYNE WHITNEY from Neath is taking on the challenge to swim 15 laps a day in August to raise money for Bowel Cancer UK.
Jayne has decided to take part in memory of her mum who died of bowel cancer in February 2023 after living with the disease for eight years. Jayne hopes to make a difference by raising 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.
Jayne, aged 52 said, “My mum battled bowel cancer for eight years. She had two major operations, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Her strength, courage and determination were inspirational. Her loss in February was devastating for me and my family.
“I want to do something that will honour my mum and those like her who may be going through treatment. Raising awareness is so important, everyone needs to know the symptoms so they can go to the doctor quickly. Never feel that you’re overreacting or wasting peoples time as early diagnosis gives people the best chance at survival.
“I feel immensely proud to be taking part in Swim15. I’m really challenging myself as I have not done anything like this before or even exercised on a daily basis. It’s really helped me to focus on something positive at a difficult time. 15 laps every day throughout August. I’ve got this.”
Luke Squires, Director of Fundraising at Bowel Cancer UK, says: “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 Jayne for taking part in Swim15 and really inspired by her for speaking so openly about her mum’s 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: bowelcanceruk.org.uk/Swim15
