Sporting celebrities back bowel cancer fundraising campaign

Former England rugby captain Matt Dawson and sports presenter Gabby Logan have both put their support behind our latest fundraising challenge Step up for 30.

The sporting legends are calling on everyone to get active each day throughout April, which is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, and ask friends, family and colleagues to sponsor them.

Every 15 minutes someone is diagnosed with bowel cancer in the UK – that's nearly 43,000 people every year. We're entirely reliant on the generous support of fundraisers. Money raised during the challenge will help fund vital services and lifesaving research.

Former England rugby captain, Matt Dawson comments: "With my family history of bowel cancer I'm delighted to be supporting Bowel Cancer UK's Step up for 30 challenge. I lost my grandfather to the disease at the age of 60, and my mum had it in her late 50s. Luckily, it was diagnosed early and surgery to remove it was a success, and she now has check-ups every six months. Because of the family link I get myself checked out, as does my sister, as early diagnosis is so important. So sign up today and get active this April."

Sports presenter, Gabby Logan is also supporting the fundraising challenge: "I really love being active, and it helps support my physical and mental health. I try to mix things up and some days I'll do Pilates whereas sometimes I'll just go for a walk.

"I'm supporting Bowel Cancer UK's Step up for 30 challenge as it's a fantastic way to encourage people to be more physically active and to help reduce their risk of bowel cancer. Whilst you're getting fitter and feeling healthier, you'll also be raising money for the UK's leading bowel cancer charity. There's still time to sign up and together we can help save lives and improve the quality of life of everyone affected by bowel cancer."

Luke Squires, Director of Fundraising at Bowel Cancer UK, comments: "Taking part in Step for up 30 couldn't be simpler. There are lots of creative, free and easy ways that you can get active without using any equipment or needing to leave your home, such as taking part in an online fitness class, creating a circuit routine in your living room or even walking up and down your staircase. By taking part in Step up for 30, you can help us create a future where nobody dies of bowel cancer."

Pictured above: (left) Gabby Logan (©venni_FN) and (right) Matt Dawson