AN event raising awareness of bowel cancer has seen £3,000 go to charity.

Richard Simpson, of Wylam, was diagnosed with bowel cancer last July.

He was inspired to share his story after the death of Dame Debroah James DBE who died of the illness in June this year aged 40.

Richard's cancer is not operable but he is due to start another round of chemotherapy to help manage the condition.

The 68-year-old told the Courant he left it too late, saying: "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.

"If you've got any symptoms at all, go get yourself checked out."

A charity raffle and auction held at the Fox and Hounds in Wylam in aid of Bowel Cancer UK saw donations flood in for the worthy cause.

The event was held on Saturday - the same day as the last game of the village's cricket team's house fixture. Richard previously held roles at the club.

Local businesses supported the fundraiser which had a donation-based buffet.

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