Bowel Cancer patient’s Hike for Health

Local resident Jo Bradshaw was only 44 years old when she was diagnosed with bowel cancer and yet she counts herself lucky she caught it early.

A fit and active working mum, Jo’s diagnosis came as a complete shock and within three weeks of being diagnosed she was having a bowel resection. Jo credits not ignoring her mild symptoms, but going to her GP after she noticed changes to her bowel movements.

Jo says, “I was very lucky that the bowel cancer was early stage and contained as they were able to remove the cancer without any subsequent treatment.”

Nonetheless, recovery took time and Jo ended up resigning from her job to get back to full health. The experience is now behind her and she is passionate about raising awareness of bowel cancer symptoms and early detection.

Looking for adventure Jo signed up to Hike for Health which will have her trek to the Great Wall of China in May this year.

Jo is on a mission to raise $4000 for Bowel Cancer NZ and thanks to generous friends and family and selling her handcrafted ceramics she is now half way to achieving her fundraising target.

Jo is committed to her goal and to help raise further funds is set to embark on her first ocean swim and is currently organising a Charity Bowling Tournament to be held at Grey Lynn Bowling Club in partnership with local builders Henry Brown & Co.

Donating to Jo will enable Bowel Cancer NZ to continue providing vital education and awareness for early detection of this disease, as well as offering support to those who are already affected by bowel cancer.

To learn more about bowel cancer please visit www.beatbowelcancer.org.nz