At 61 I have just discovered the delights of long distance walking having completed 800 kilometre Camino de Santiago pilgrimage across Spain in October 2016. The 37 days walking gives you a lot of time to contemplate and think about life and also to share experiences and thoughts with other Pilgrims. One common theme was how blessed we were to be able to physically do this walk. There were many pilgrims walking after overcomming cancer or to deal with other life changing events. Around 30% who complete this long distance pilgrimage are over 60!

There are enough hurdles in life as it is without bowel cancer. The sad fact is that this cancer can catch you out with no obvious symptoms until to late. However it is a cancer that can be prevented with awareness, screening and early detection.

I am keen to support the initiatives of the JLF to prevent bowel cancer. My wish - perhaps on my next camino listening to a fellow pilgrim sharing their experience of surviving bowel cancer through awareness and early intervention.