Baking for bowel cancer
Friday 25 June 2021
Jane Reaney was diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer in March 2020 and baked 220 cakes to raise over £1,500 to help people with the disease.
At the age of 58 I was diagnosed with bowel cancer. Sadly I had been misdiagnosed for 12 long months prior, even though I had typical symptoms – big weight loss, change in bowel movement, blood in my poo, even my father died of bowel cancer. I asked on two separate occasions if it could be cancer and I was told I wasn't ill enough.
I was eventually diagnosed with bowel cancer on 2 March 2020 and went for surgery on 7 April 2020, the first week of the national lockdown. The next 12 months have been quite tough, especially during a pandemic.
Due to Covid restrictions, I couldn't have a bowel resection as there were no ICU beds available so I ended up with a colostomy. I also had to wait for chemotherapy, but eventually I was able to have that treatment too.
Although my friends and family were not able to be with me physically, I received so much support, well wishes and help in more unconventional ways. Everyone was so thoughtful in supporting me from a distance. Now I'm well and so lucky to be alive, and am waiting for a date to have my reversal surgery.
I decided to fundraise as a way to support Bowel Cancer UK and raise awareness so others know of the symptoms, signs and complications of the disease, so they can receive the care they need and quickly.
We couldn't do a traditional fundraiser so my friend Ann and I decided to 'Bake for bowel cancer'. We baked cupcakes for a donation and arranged Covid-safe collection and it was a great success.
Ann and I baked as if our lives depended on it and made 220 cakes. We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of all our family and friends and we raised over £1,500.
Thank you to everyone who has supported me in my journey against bowel cancer. I can't wait for a great big celebration in person when we are all able.
If you feel inspired by Jane then sign up to hold your own Brew Together event and help to stop people dying of bowel cancer.
