Alex Bacall: From bowel cancer to the London Marathon

A personal mission 

After 19 years in a fast-paced corporate consulting career at Accenture, Alex Bacall is stepping into a new chapter — one shaped by personal resilience and purpose.

At the age of 38 and diagnosed with stage 3 rectal cancer, Alex embarked on a life-changing journey. Now, as he prepares to run the London Marathon in April 2025 for Bowel Cancer UK, he is channelling his experience into raising awareness and funds for a cause that has deeply impacted his life. 

A life-changing diagnosis 

In 2022, Alex’s world was turned upside down. What started with the sudden onset of concerning symptoms very quickly led to a devastating diagnosis of stage 3 rectal cancer. Within just six weeks, he went from noticing blood in his stool, a dull lower back ache and changes in bowel habits to undergoing major bowel surgery to remove the tumour and a significant portion of his lower colon/rectum.

“I can’t emphasise enough how important it is to immediately discuss any symptoms you detect, such a change in bowel habits or change in consistency of stool, blood in the stool or tiredness, with medical professionals. This can make a life and death difference”. Despite acting quickly, Alex underwent a gruelling 15-month journey which included major bowel surgeries, living with a stoma (a small opening in the abdomen which is used to collect stool into a bag), then having the stoma reversed, serious complications and a life-saving emergency operation due to a major bowel obstruction in April 2023.

"It was a traumatic time for me, my wife, our two young boys and my family," Alex recalls. "The physical and mental toll was immense, but with the unwavering support of my loved ones and Bowel Cancer UK, I emerged stronger than ever." 

Partnering for progress 

Determined to make a difference, Alex became an advocate for Bowel Cancer UK. Through his relationships with the charity, he organised a corporate awareness talk at Accenture’s London office, drawing over 50 attendees to talk about his story and bowel cancer signs and symptoms. He also spearheaded a 10-mile charity walk with his colleagues, raising nearly £2,500 for the charity. "Bowel Cancer UK is an incredible charity making a real difference for people affected by this disease," Alex says. "There seems to be a growing trend of younger people being diagnosed with bowel cancer, so it’s critical to raise awareness of symptoms. By sharing my story, I hope to help others recognise the signs early and provide support to those facing similar battles." His efforts were part of Bowel Cancer UK’s "Partnering for Progress" initiative — a commitment to collaborating with organisations to drive meaningful change. But for Alex, this work is just the beginning. 

Running for a cause 

Now, Alex is gearing up for his biggest challenge yet: running the 2025 London Marathon. "I’m over the moon to be running again," he says. "My cancer journey tested my body and mind, but it also became a journey of growth and resilience. Running has been my therapy, helping me heal physically, processing my journey emotionally and rebuilding my strength. It has given me time to reflect, push myself and regain balance. I never imagined the London Marathon would be part of my story, but I’m excited to take on this challenge and raise funds for a cause that means so much to me." His training is in full swing and his dedication and interest to health and well-being has never been stronger. In addition to marathon preparation, he is currently studying for a Level 5 diploma in Nutrition and Immunity — a new passion in his life — with the goal of continuing to pursue this interest alongside his future career. 

A new chapter 

After nearly two decades, Alex recently left his role as a Managing Director at Accenture in the UK to explore the next chapter of his career and pursue senior leadership roles in industries that are close to his heart. "I joined Accenture as a young graduate in 2006 and while I never imagined staying for 19 years, the incredible people, exciting and varied work and accelerating through the business kept me there," he reflects. "Having cancer forced everything into perspective. Life is precious and there for living to its fullest, and for me, that includes exploring a new professional path and in new industries, while focussing on building experience and interests in areas more connected to my personal passion and purpose." Alex embraces the saying, “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning how to dance in the rain.” He believes his cancer journey has helped him live by that mantra and he intends to carry it forward into his professional career. 

Inspiring others 

As he embarks on his next life chapter, Alex remains deeply grateful for the support he's received — and he hopes his story will inspire others to take their health seriously and embrace a balanced approach to well-being. "If sharing my journey helps just one person catch this disease early, then it’s worth it," he says. "And running the marathon is my way of giving back to the charity that stood by me when I needed them most." 

Alex is calling on friends, colleagues and supporters to help him exceed all boundaries in his fundraising goals. "Every donation, big or small, helps save lives. Together, we can make a real difference in the fight against bowel cancer." he says. "I’m incredibly grateful for everyone's support — thank you for any donations you are able to make." 

To support Alex's London Marathon journey and donate to Bowel Cancer UK, visit his fundraising page.

• Learn the symptoms of bowel cancer
• Find out more about how your business can partner with us
• Take on your own fundraising challenge and help us create a future where nobody dies of bowel cancer