How Craig regained his confidence through volunteering
Monday 3 June 2024
After being diagnosed with stage 2/3 bowel cancer at age 52, Craig Allen struggled with his self-esteem. In this blog he shares how volunteering helped him recover his confidence.
Ten years ago, I was diagnosed with bowel cancer after completing the screening test. The news changed me both mentally and physically. For the most part, my confidence was shattered.
As my healing progressed, with exceptional support from family and health staff, I wondered what I could do to help myself. I had to cope with trying to rebuild fitness, a phased return to work and I was also concerned at how little positivity I was generating. So, after discussing it with my family, I decided to sign up to volunteer for Bowel Cancer UK.
I felt, due to my own good fortune, I’d like to give something back. So I chose to give awareness talks to a variety of communities. But, how was I going to be able to talk to a crowd with such low confidence? It was hard, but I gave it a go and over time, I managed to push myself into the role. While the initial agenda for the talks was to educate people on the importance of taking part in bowel cancer screening (I used myself as a classic example of the benefits) it soon became clear that doing the talks was helping me regain my confidence.
With support, encouragement, and a little self-belief I managed it and you can too! Volunteering is rewarding and fulfilling. I now relish the idea of delivering an awareness talk and after it’s done, I feel a sense of pride for getting back on track and pushing forward physically and mentally. And, of course, for spreading vital awareness about bowel cancer.
- Learn more about how you can volunteer for us
- Read more about living with and beyond bowel cancer
- Read more real life stories
