LOCAL woman, Paula Moore, who has recently recovered from bowel cancer treatment, will walk five-miles this weekend to raise awareness of the disease.
Paula, who was told she was ‘cancer free’ in July, has also set herself a fundraising target of £2,000 for Bowel Cancer UK, the national charity that offers information and support to patients and their families, campaigns for early diagnosis and access to treatment, and funds research into the disease.
Paula’s sponsored walk will take place this Saturday, 28th September, at 11am, beginning in the field next to Wallington Way, before walking along the East Mendip highway through Vallis Vale towards Mells and then back to the start – and she is inviting the community to come and join her.
“I was diagnosed with bowel cancer in June of this year, aged 39,” said Paula. “Thankfully due to my fantastic doctor, the cancer was caught early enough for them to operate and remove it – I had a right hemicolectomy (a surgical procedure that involves removing a segment of the colon) on 19th July and 27 nodes removed. After the biopsy I was told the amazing news that the cancer was not in any of my nodes.
“Luckily I had a doctor who took me seriously as I had no other symptoms other than feeling extremely tired and getting breathless doing the simplest of tasks.
“This is a cancer that needs more awareness, especially in the young, and is the reason why I want to do this walk, so more lives can be saved.
“This cancer is often diagnosed too late especially in those under 50 years old. A simple blood test showing I was iron deficient anaemic was the start of this process for me. I feel like the luckiest girl alive right now, but so many others are not as fortunate.
“Please help me to raise awareness and funds for those suffering from this awful disease. I would love people to join me on this walk or just donate if you prefer. Thank you for your support.”
To support Paula, and to find out more about how to join her on the sponsored walk, visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising /paula-moore12
