Ambassadors and patrons

Christina’s father Patrick Dolan set up The Britta Dolan Memorial Cancer Fund, now known as Bowel Cancer UK, after his wife, Britta Dolan died from bowel cancer in 1987.

The charity was founded to develop treatments for bowel cancer. Patrick was frustrated with the lack of treatment options, information, and support for patients with the disease in the UK, which meant he had to turn to specialists in America for his wife’s treatment.

Christina said: “I am deeply honoured to be the founding patron of Bowel Cancer UK. My father's unwavering commitment to this cause and his dedication to improving treatment options for my mother and those affected by advanced bowel cancer have always inspired me. I am proud to carry on his legacy and work alongside this incredible charity to continue our shared vision of a future where nobody dies from the disease.”

Lord Norman Foster, Baron Foster of Thames Bank, is internationally recognised as a key figure in British architecture. The creator of iconic landmarks such as London's Millennium Bridge and the Gherkin, the HSBC headquarters in Hong Kong, Beijing Airport, Apple Park in Cupertino and the Reichstag in Berlin, his work has transformed skylines globally. 

Lord Foster has been treated for bowel cancer himself and is committed to helping us raise awareness.

"Knowing the warning signs of bowel cancer could save your life - it saved mine. As President of Bowel Cancer UK, I’m immensely proud of everything the charity does not only to save lives, but to support and improve life for people with bowel cancer and their loved ones. I know from personal experience how important this work is." 

Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth, Ephraim Mirvis is only the 11th person to take up this position since the office was introduced in 1704. Sadly, his daughter Liora died of bowel cancer in 2011, aged 30.

“A bowel cancer diagnosis affects the whole family. As well as working to save lives, Bowel Cancer UK provides invaluable practical and emotional support for patients and their families. As a patron of the charity, I’m committed to doing what I can to help all those who are living through this experience.” 

Floella lost her mother to bowel cancer in 2008, and has been a patron since 2013. The iconic BBC Playschool presenter is also an accomplished actress, author, businesswoman, campaigner and politician. She has received numerous awards including a BAFTA Fellowship for her outstanding contribution to the media. In 2010, she was appointed to the House of Lords as a Life Peer by the Liberal Democrats, where she has been a strong advocate for bowel cancer prevention and care. 

"It's been over seventeen years since my beloved mother ‘Marmie’ passed away. I miss her so, but feel her presence in everything I do, especially when I find a white feather. She was a beautiful woman whose legacy lives on and will do forever. Sadly, she died from bowel cancer, which is why I am a patron of Bowel Cancer UK and support their work raising awareness about the early signs of the disease." 

Dr Anisha Patel is a GP who has gained attention for her courageous journey with bowel cancer. As a dedicated healthcare professional, Dr Patel was diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer at a relatively young age and her personal experience with the disease has shaped her advocacy for early detection and awareness. She uses her platform to raise awareness about the importance of screening and symptoms of bowel cancer, including working with and supporting us.

“I know how easy it is to explain away your symptoms and avoid visiting your GP. Many find it hard to speak about changes in pooing habits and let embarrassment get in the way of their health. That’s why I’m so passionate about sharing my story and why I’m happy to be a proud ambassador for Bowel Cancer UK."

You can find out more about Anisha's story on her page.

Charlotte Riley became an Ambassador in 2012, and since then her support has included taking to the trading floor for the annual BGC Charity Day and featuring in the film to help promote and launch our new charity brand in 2018.

Charlotte is a British actor known for her work in television and film. Her recent leading roles in television include Amazon’s drama series The Peripheral, BBC and FX’s A Christmas Carol and BBC’s Press. Charlotte played May Carlton in Peaky Blinders and took on the role of Kate Middleton in the BBC adaptation of Mike Bartlett’s play King Charles III. Charlotte is also known for her role as Catherine Earnshaw in ITV’s adaptation of Wuthering Heights and was recently seen in Apple TV+'s comedy Trying and BBC's drag comedy Smoggie Queens.

In film, Charlotte has featured in Swimming With Men, London Has Fallen, In The Heart Of The Sea and Edge Of Tomorrow with Tom Cruise. 

Charlotte said: "I’m very proud to be an Ambassador for Bowel Cancer UK. They do such vital work to help people who have the disease, from carrying out research into treatments and providing information for medical professionals, to creating support networks for patients and their families."

Star of Sex Education and SAS: Rogue Heroes, Connor was just seven years old when he lost his mother to bowel cancer. His grandfather and great-grandfather also passed away from the disease. 

Connor has helped raise awareness about bowel cancer in media interviews and on social media. In 2024, he ran the Brighton Half-Marathon, raising over £20,000 for our work. 

“There can be embarrassment around talking about bowel cancer, but... I always knew if I made it as an actor, I would use my position to raise awareness of the disease. The earlier the symptoms are spotted and bowel cancer is diagnosed, the more treatable it’s likely to be.”

Irish footballing legend and former Everton coach Kevin Sheedy has supported our work for over a decade. He was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2012, having lost his mother to the disease two years earlier. Following treatment, Kevin was given the all-clear and is now helping to raise awareness.   

“Thankfully, my cancer was caught early. The most important thing is to see your GP if you notice any symptoms. Doing that saved my life. Over 90% of people who are diagnosed at the earliest stage are successfully treated. Don't be embarrassed to go to the doctor - you could die of that embarrassment."

Best known for presenting The Wright Stuff on Channel 5, Matthew has been a regular in print, on our tv screens and across the airwaves for more than 25 years. Matthew’s father died of bowel cancer at 53. He had Lynch Syndrome — an inherited disorder which increases the risk. This personal experience has led Matthew to become a strong advocate for Lynch Syndrome testing. 

“Following my father's death, we learned about Lynch Syndrome and the 50% likelihood that my sister and I would inherit it. It took five years to confirm that I did not - this wait cast a dark shadow over my family’s health. It’s important we address the widespread lack of testing for Lynch Syndrome in families most at risk.” 

Pamela is a familiar face to people across Northern Ireland thanks to her longstanding role as a UTV presenter, newsreader and reporter. Her support for us has included hosting our Christmas Carol Concert in Belfast and attending our Walk Together fundraising events. She was motivated to help raise awareness about bowel cancer following a devastating personal loss. 

“Over the last number of years, I have sadly lost 4 friends and a member of my family to bowel cancer. Just after Christmas in 2022, following a regular mammogram, I was told I had breast cancer. Following many months of treatment, I was told I had a successful outcome and the tumours had gone.  That's why I understand how important it is to ensure preventative screening for bowel cancer is available too and, should anyone have any concerns about their health they should take up the opportunity to get checked out. Do not die of embarrassment" 

Sean is best known for presenting Good Morning Britain and Countryfile. A longstanding ambassador, in 2015 he ran the London Marathon in memory of his mother, who died of the disease. Sean has raised significant funds, including £30,000 from his appearance with his wife on All Star Mr and Mrs. In 2018, he helped us hand in to the Government a petition signed by over 445,000 people for our Screening from 50 campaign.  

“Every 15 minutes, somebody is diagnosed with bowel cancer in the UK. My mum was one of them, and sadly she died of the disease. I’ve been honoured to join Bowel Cancer UK’s mission to stand with so many people impacted by this disease, and I’m committed to helping change the future of bowel cancer care and prevention.” 

Oscar nominated Actor Tom Hardy became our patron in 2012 after attending our 25th Anniversary celebration at number 10 Downing Street. Best known for roles in Venom, The Bike Riders, Peaky Blinders, Legend, Inception and The Revenant, Tom was honoured to be an ambassador to help the charity raise awareness of bowel cancer.

Tom said: "I am delighted to be an Ambassador for Bowel Cancer UK. I'd like to help the charity to increase awareness and help stop people dying needlessly from the disease. I hope you'll join me."