Invergordon survivor hits Kiltwalk target for Bowel Cancer UK – and she's not done yet!
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An Invergordon fundraiser has stepped out on another challenging charity fundraiser just a few months after finishing treatment for bowel cancer.
Mandy Gill (42) took on the 20-mile Dundee Kiltwalk for Bowel Cancer UK having signed up for no fewer than FOUR of the challenges.
The Kiltwalk challenge asks people to wear tartan whilst walking up to 80 miles through Scotland’s beautiful scenery.
There are four walks in four different locations across the country (Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh) and Mandy has now ticked the first three of her list.
She completed the first Kiltwalk of the year in Glasgow in April with her sister Debbie Walker. And then in June she completed her second in Aberdeen alongside her husband, David.
SEE ALSO: Ross-shire cancer survivor is ready to go the extra mile
Last Sunday, she conquered Dundee Kiltwalk.
Her final challenge will be pounding the pavements through Edinburgh on Sunday, September 17. And she has already raised over £4000.
First diagnosis
When Mandy started experiencing possible bowel cancer symptoms, she contacted her doctor and was diagnosed at stage 3 of the disease.
After surgery and chemotherapy, Mandy happily received the all-clear in February this year – but she still felt like she wanted to do something to make a difference and to help raise awareness of the symptoms of bowel cancer.
She said: “My friends had been really supportive, with one even running the London marathon, and I felt like I wanted to do something too. I’ve always wished I could do a marathon, but I’m really no runner.
"So I decided instead of running one, I’d walk four! I feel lucky that my bowel cancer was caught early enough and treated quickly, but not everyone is so fortunate. I hope the money I raise can help change that, by helping to raise awareness of the symptoms to look out for, no matter what age you are.
“Walking has been a great way to build up my fitness again after my treatment. Committing to the Kiltwalk means I’ve had to go out training whatever the weather, and that’s been great for my mental health too.It will be really special to end up in Edinburgh, where I used to live.”
Jenny Poulter, fundraising officer for Bowel Cancer UK, said: “We’re so incredibly proud of Mandy for taking on such a big challenge for us, and we wish her all the best for her upcoming Kiltwalk treks.
"All the money she generously raises will help us to make more people aware of the signs and symptoms of the disease, provide expert information and support to patients and their families, fund vital research, and campaign for early diagnosis and access to best treatment and care.
“Bowel cancer is Scotland’s fourth most common cancer and the second biggest cancer killer. But it doesn’t have to be this way as it’s treatable and curable especially if diagnosed early and by going straight to your GP it’s possible to rule out bowel cancer first and fast.
“Key symptoms to look out for include bleeding from your bottom, blood in your poo, a persistent and unexplained change in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, extreme tiredness for no obvious reason and a pain or lump in your tummy. Most people with these don’t have bowel cancer, but if you experience one or more of them, you should contact your doctor straight away.”
Donate to Mandy Gill’s JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Mandy-Gill08
To take part in the Kiltwalk challenge and raise money for Bowel Cancer UK, sign up at https://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/thekiltwalk/
About bowel cancer
About bowel cancer
Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK and the second biggest cancer killer, affecting both men and women.
Every 15 minutes someone is diagnosed with bowel cancer. That’s nearly 43,000 people every year, nearly 120 people every day.
Bowel cancer is treatable and curable especially if diagnosed early. Nearly everyone survives bowel cancer if diagnosed at the earliest stage. However this drops significantly as the disease develops. Early diagnosis really does save lives.
The symptoms of bowel cancer can include:
Bleeding from your bottom and/or blood in your poo
A persistent and unexplained change in bowel habit
Unexplained weight loss
Extreme tiredness for no obvious reason
A pain or lump in your tummy
Most people with these symptoms don’t have bowel cancer. Other health problems can cause similar symptoms. If you have one or more of these, or if things just don’t feel right, the advice is to see your GP.
