“Volunteering is therapy for me”

In 2018 Rachel Reed was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer at the age of 33. Volunteering has helped her process this experience and connect with other people affected by the disease.

It was a huge life-changing shock to be told I had stage 4 bowel cancer at only 33 years old. When I finished my treatment, I decided I wanted to share my story to prevent it happening to anyone else. Joining Bowel Cancer UK as a volunteer has helped turn a traumatic event into something powerful and lifesaving. 

Volunteering has provided me with a range of fantastic opportunities such as being involved with the incredible Moondance Cancer Initiative, which included a TV appearance. I’ve spoken on the Bowel Cancer UK Podcast, regularly attend the Voices Cymru group, and supported Amgen pharmaceutical as a patient speaker.

I have attended fundraising events and took part in the bowel cancer awareness roadshow in Cardiff, giving me the opportunity to help educate lots of people about the disease. These volunteering activities help me connect with other people affected by bowel cancer which helps tremendously, as no one truly understands until they’ve experienced it.

Everyone I’ve worked with at the charity has supported me throughout, they are truly lovely and I feel very supported and understood when speaking to the team. Being a volunteer is therapy for me and I can’t thank the charity enough for all the opportunities and support they’ve given me. I may not be able to change the world but if I can help just one person then that’s all I wish for.

• Learn more about how you can volunteer for us
• Read Rachel’s real life story
• Read more about living with and beyond bowel cancer