So overwhelmed x

Since starting this blog I have been so overwhelmed by the reaction from friends, family, acquaintances and strangers.  I didn't imagine that I would have such amazing feedback, as my main incentive for starting the blog was as a therapeutic tool for myself.  I have had over 3000 views (I don't have a clue if that is 'good' or not, but to me it's amazing!) and people from all over the world have read my story - even in places such as Japan, Russia, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Saudi Arabia!  I have had messages from old friends and colleagues thanking me for inspiring them to get their health checked out - this is exactly why it is so important to raise awareness not only of bowel cancer, but of any cancer, in fact just to raise awareness that you need to listen to your bodies and make health care professionals listen to you. 

I have also been in touch with other young women who have gone through or are going through bowel cancer treatment.  This has been very inspiring and amazingly comforting, as we are all able to support each other as we know exactly how each of us are feeling.  Although having the support from those close to us is invaluable, it is great to be able to be in touch with someone who truly understands how you feel emotionally and physically.  It also made me even more aware that cases of bowel cancer are clearly rising amongst young people.  It seems that if there is a 'good time' to have cancer then it is now - social media and the internet has ensured that I feel so supported and I always have a place to turn to.

I have also been overwhelmed by fund raising support that has been inspired by my story.  I have had so many people who have said that they are going to run the Race For Life this year and you will already have read about my friend Lois who is raising funds for Beating Bowel Cancer.  My little girl's Uncle Stuart and Auntie Natalie are also running the Reading Half Marathon to raise money for Cancer Research and Arthritis Research - you can visit their fundraising page at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/NatandStuClarke .  The work that these charities do is invaluable and the research that has already been carried out has helped to raise survival rates for cancer, especially for bowel cancer.

So, thank you for taking the time to listen to my story, it means so much to me.  I have at times found it emotional and wondered if I should be haring such a personal experience in such a public way, but the feedback I have received has made me certain that it is the right thing to do, for so many reasons.

Cx