Distance for Derek

Hello Friends
 
We are very aware there is a lot of fundraising going on at present & times are tough for many but this is a cause so very close to our hearts. Sadly, Cancer has undoubtedly affected every single one of you reading this in some shape or form and so we are reaching out for your support.
 
One person is diagnosed with cancer every 3 minutes here in Ireland. Long term survival from cancer has greatly increased in the past twenty years for many reasons but two very important reasons being:
 
1)Cancer Trials Ireland and the amazing work they do 
2)Places like the Blackrock Hospice, equipped with such wonderful staff supplying the highest level of quality care and support to both the patients & their families

One person dies from cancer every hour in Ireland.
 
Early 2020 as the pandemic began to spread, we lost our dear Derek Pugh (Sinead's Dad and one of the greatest men to walk this earth) to Bowel Cancer.

April is Bowel Cancer awareness month & its also coming up to Derek's anniversary. A group of us have set ourselves the challenge to complete 2700km (300km each) within the month of April be it walking, running / roller blading in order to raise awareness and much needed funding for cancer.

After much research, there is no direct charity supporting bowel cancer in Ireland (to the best of our knowledge) therefore we have decided to donate 50% of the money to Cancer Trials Ireland & the other 50% to the Blackrock Hospice who gave incredible emotional & physical support to Derek & his family and many other patients and their families.

 We are going the Distance 4 Derek this April in honor of his memory & for everyone out there fighting this awful disease. To give strength and encouragement to all those to keep fighting the good fight including the wonderful Derry Dowling & Michel Buch-Anderson.

 We would really appreciate any support you can offer, every cent and every step counts.

 
F*** YOU CANCER

 
Our fabulous fundraising team consists of: Alex Boucher, Andy Colclough, April Lennon, Beth Dowling, Emer Flynn, Jane O'Higgins, Jennie Byrne, Keith Cannon & Sinead Pugh



About Bowel Cancer Section


Bowel cancer is one of the most common types of cancer diagnosed in Ireland.

 
Most people diagnosed with it are over the age of 60 but it can absolutely affect people in their younger years. For Derek it was very sadly too late but in honor of his memory -  we need something good to come out of this tragedy. We want to use this platform to create awareness.

 
Bowel cancer is a general term for cancer that begins in the large bowel. Depending on where the cancer starts, bowel cancer is sometimes called colon or rectal cancer.


Symptoms

The symptoms of bowel cancer can be subtle and don't necessarily make you feel ill. But it's worth trying simple treatments for a short time to see if they get better. Symptoms can also be misdiagnosed as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). In Derek’s case he showed no symptoms other than fatigue.

More than 90% of people with bowel cancer have one of the following combinations of symptoms:

•a persistent change in bowel habit. Going more often, with looser stools and    sometimes stomach (abdominal) pain
•blood in your poo especially if mixed through the stool. This makes it unlikely      the cause is hemorrhoids (piles)
•stomach pain, discomfort or bloating always brought on by eating. This can sometimes result in a reduction in the amount of food eaten and weight loss

Bowel cancer symptoms are also very common, and most people with them don't have cancer.

For example:
•a change in bowel habit or abdominal pain is usually the result of something you've eaten
•a change in bowel habit to going less often, with harder poo, is not usually caused by any serious condition. It may be worth trying laxatives before seeing your GP
•constipation, where you pass harder stools less often
•fresh blood often separate from your poo or coating the stool. This, when associated with pain or soreness is more often caused by piles or a simple tear (fissure)

These symptoms should be taken more seriously as you get older and when they persist despite simple treatments.
 
When to seek medical advice..

Although bowel cancer symptoms are very common, you should talk to your GP if they persist for more than 4 weeks. Talk to your GP if your symptoms persist or keep coming back after stopping treatment. Do this regardless of their severity or your age. Whilst we all want to put it off and it's not pleasant, a colonoscopy could save your life.  

Don't ignore your symptoms #getyourshittogether

The bowel is in your court