A WYLAM man is raising awareness of bowel cancer after being diagnosed last July.

Richard Simpson was inspired by Dame Debroah James DBE who was diagnosed with incurable bowel cancer in 2016.

The former journalist, headteacher and podcaster died in June this year aged 40.

Richard's cancer is not operable but he has been receiving chemotherapy which he is due to start again next week after six months off. 

"I don't want it to be about me", he said. "I want it to be about awareness.

"I left it too late; I had symptoms but I didn't realise they were symptoms before I went to the GP.

"It went on for about two years before I couldn't do it anymore and then you get diagnosed and after that, you just get on with it.

"It's getting the message across, that if you've got any symptoms at all, go get yourself checked out.

"Having cancer focuses the mind somewhat."

Richard, who worked for the Halifax Building Society for 25 years, has organised a charity raffle and auction at the Fox and Hounds in Wylam in aid of Bowel Cancer UK.

The event will run on Saturday - the last game of the village cricket team's home fixture. Richard previously enjoyed cricket and held roles at the club.

He explained: "I've been amazed by the local support I've had from the pubs, hairdressers, post office, donating good prizes.

"I've not asked for any help, I don't really need it, I get out through the day and enjoy my pint down at the Fox and Hounds, walking down there and walking back up."

He did, however, praise the support of friends and family and treatment from Hexham General Hospital.

Richard, who moved to Wylam in 1984, has sold £1,000 worth of raffle tickets ahead of the event which will have a free buffet - donations are welcome.

The fundraiser is not ticketed and all are welcome.

Symptoms of bowel cancer: 

  • A persistent change in bowel habit – pooing more often, with looser, runnier poos and sometimes tummy (abdominal) pain
  • Blood in the poo without other symptoms of piles (haemorrhoids) 
  • Abdominal pain, discomfort or bloating always brought on by eating – sometimes resulting in a reduction in the amount of food eaten and weight loss