Taking on ActiveApril and treatment for bowel cancer one step at a time

Lynn’s story shows how having support from loved ones, and even strangers, can get you through the challenging times.

The start of my journey

After feeling very tired for a few months, I was walking with a friend and was very breathless. I apologised to her, saying that I’d have to stop as we climbed a hill. She told me that it wasn’t a hill, and I should get checked out. My GP tested me for asthma, but blood tests showed I was severely iron deficient and needed an urgent blood transfusion.

Around the same time, I received a FIT test (used to test for blood in your poo) from the screening programme, which I did. The results recommended that I needed a colonoscopy, but one had already been arranged by my GP. I must admit, I didn’t suspect it was colon cancer as I was only 57 years young. I just thought I was iron deficient and it would be sorted with regular monitoring.

Getting support

Knowing I was going to be having further investigations, I started to read the information on the Bowel Cancer UK website. It helped me to understand what was happening and answered my questions.

After my colonoscopy I was told I needed to have a CT scan. I knew this wasn’t normal. The scan showed a 6cm long mass that looked malignant. I was then referred to the colorectal consultant to discuss surgery.

Telling my family was hard but I thought it was important to fully involve them. I wanted them to understand what was going to happen so they could help me make decisions about my treatment.

ActiveApril kept me on track through my treatment

My surgery well went but I had a few setbacks and my recuperation took a few months. I was well cared for by my family and friends, and I had visitors every day. A letter arrived confirming my diagnosis of stage 3 bowel cancer, following analysis after the surgery, and advising that I’d need chemotherapy.

I knew chemotherapy would be a challenge. I needed to focus on something while I was on treatment, so ActiveApril 2024 came at just the right time.

Having turned to the Bowel Cancer UK website to help me understand each stage of my treatment when I needed it, even if it was at 2am in the morning, doing ActiveApril would also help me give back to the charity by raising money for them.

I set a specific goal of 10,000 steps a day. It was a huge challenge to take 300,000 steps in 30 days when on chemo. I planned the routes as I knew that tiredness was going to be an issue when walking every day. I advertised the routes to my friends and family and set up my JustGiving page.

It was worth every step

The support I received from my family, friends and even strangers, from the very first day and every day during ActiveApril was overwhelming. I never walked a day on my own. This was very humbling for me.

I set up a JustGiving page and shared my journey every day on Facebook and Instagram. This helped keep the donations coming. I achieved my target of 300,000 steps on 29 April, so a day early. I raised over £4,000 for Bowel Cancer UK, which I couldn't have done without the support of every single person who joined me on my journey or followed me on social media. 

By taking part in ActiveApril I’ve helped others like me

My ActiveApril experience was incredible and participating in the challenge really helped in the early days of my chemotherapy. It reminded me how important family and friends are when dealing with a cancer diagnosis. But at the times I didn’t want to worry them, I got comfort from reading other people’s stories on the Bowel Cancer UK website or from talking to people on the Forum. I’m glad my fundraising will mean other people going through something similar to me will be able to access this support too.

Support Lynn with ActiveApril 2025

Lynn is taking part in ActiveApril again this year. You can support Lynn on her JustGiving page.

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