Turning 50 over 14 years ago was a significant turning point in my life. My mother Shirley had battled bowel cancer for several years, and with other family members affected by the disease, she pestered me to have a check up.
Her intuition proved correct with a colonoscopy detecting a tumour.
I had surgery to remove the tumour in May 2007 followed by six months of chemotherapy.
My mother passed away on the morning of my 11th treatment, leaving me with so much to thank her for.
Early detection proved to be a godsend.
Sharing my story, doing voluntary work for The Jodi Lee Foundation and getting involved in The JLF Treks is my way of saying thank you to my mother for saving my life. I’m also taking part in this event to raise awareness about preventing bowel cancer.