Josephine flies Olympic Flame in Camden

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Bowel Cancer UK is delighted to announce that one of its valued advocates, Josephine Cumbo, who lives in Southwark, has been an Olympic Torchbearer on 26th July.

Josephine was nominated to fly the Olympic flame thanks to the sheer volume of volunteer work that she has done over the past four years to raise awareness of bowel cancer, the UK's second biggest cancer killer.

Jo was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2007 at the age of just 35.  As Jo was relatively young to have bowel cancer, her illness was detected at a late stage.  The subsequent surgery and chemotherapy to treat the illness were gruelling on Jo and her young family. 

On recovery however, Jo's determination to shine the spotlight on bowel cancer and raise awareness of the disease was ignited and has seen her do so in myriad forums. Josephine has shared her personal experience with others on national TV and also volunteers as a 'buddy' for newly-diagnosed patients.

Josephine is also actively involved in helping to reshape cancer policy for bowel cancer patients; in 2009 she was invited to Parliament House to speak to MPs about the difficulties of diagnosis for younger patients. She has held discussions with the Head of Cancer Strategy in the UK about how services could be improved and in 2011 she was invited to represent the UK at a European conference on advocacy and rights for colon cancer patients.

Josephine also campaigns to improve services for patients by taking part in Peer Reviews where she liaises with a panel of cancer services executives from the NHS to review clinical governance procedures at her local hospital, Kings College, Camberwell.  She has also run countless fun runs to raise funds for Bowel Cancer UK.

On carrying the Olympic Torch, Josephine says "I am delighted to be taking part in such a landmark event. Being nominated underlines the importance of raising awareness of bowel cancer at every level in society."

Deborah Alsina, CEO, Bowel Cancer UK echoes these sentiments by saying "we are truly impressed by Josephine's tireless work in this area. It is inspiring. We are proud to have her as a supporter and wish her the very best in taking part in this fantastic event."