“Turning 50 was a significant turning point in my life. My mother, Shirley had battled bowel cancer for several years, and with other family members affected by the disease, she pestered me to have a check-up.

Her intuition proved correct, with a colonoscopy detecting a tumour. I had surgery to remove the tumour in May 2007, followed by six months of chemotherapy.

My mother passed away on the morning of my 11th treatment, leaving me with so much to thank her for. Early detection proved, once again, to be a godsend.

It is almost 19 years now since I was diagnosed and I still feel it is important to continue raising awareness for this insidious disease. Have you done your Bowel Screening Test?

Sharing my story, doing voluntary work for Jodi Lee Bowel Cancer Foundation and getting involved in The JLF Trek & Trail Run is also my way of saying thank you to my mother for saving my life.

I love being a regular trek participant, as it is fun and the exercise, especially training in the lead-up to the event, is good for you.”

Just like every year, this year John was one of the first people to register for The JLF Trek & Trail Run and is currently our highest individual fundraiser. He rallies his wife Louise, friends and fellow Rotary Club members to volunteer at our treks and to also raise funds through Bunnings BBQs.

In 2021, John was named our inaugural Volunteer of the Year. He’s modelled our merch, consistently shares our messages with his social media followers, contributes articles to his local paper to raise awareness, and is one of our most passionate advocates.

We’re incredibly proud to announce that John has now officially joined the Jodi Lee Bowel Cancer Foundation as one of our community ambassadors.

Thank you John for your unwavering commitment.

Your passion and story continue to inspire us all.