At just 22, Charlotte was diagnosed with Stage 3 bowel cancer.

“I started experiencing abdominal cramping. It would come and go and didn’t really hang around”, explains Charlotte.

But when it became more intense and didn’t go away, Charlotte pushed for answers and had a colonoscopy. Trusting her gut saved her life.

“I later had surgery, where my surgeon performed a total colectomy, which resulted in a temporary ileostomy. Unfortunately, the cancer had spread to nearby lymph nodes, and I had to complete 8 rounds of chemotherapy over 6 months.

I was so fortunate to have had the most amazing team, who were not only my doctors but also some of my biggest supporters. Having people who cared and understood me and went above and beyond for me is something I’ll forever be grateful for.

Bowel cancer isn’t an old person’s disease. Cancer does not care how old you are.”

James’ story highlights the life‑changing impact of screening. Two years ago, his first colonoscopy detected two polyps.

James explained; “One measured around 2cm. The other was larger, close to 5cm, suggesting it had likely been growing silently for quite some time.”

“Most polyps found during screening are adenomas. They’re benign growths with the potential, over many years, to develop into cancer if left in place. Removing them interrupts that pathway.”

After a clear follow‑up colonoscopy in February, James now has no evidence of disease and a significantly stronger long‑term health outlook.

What started as silent risk was detected, removed and monitored – exactly how prevention is meant to work.

Together, their experiences demonstrate the importance of listening to your body, acting early, and advocating for yourself.

Charlotte says; “I really want to share my story not only to raise awareness, but to encourage young people to advocate for themselves and to push for answers. We really do know our bodies better than anyone else.

Cancer is tough, but we are so much tougher than we think we are. This journey has taught me so much, and I’m so grateful for that. I think it’s a reminder to always be a good person, because you truly never know what anyone is going through.”

We’re proud to have Charlotte running in our City2Surf team in August, and James running The JLF Trek & Trail Run in May (his 7th trek to date!) with his PLATFRM team (one of our Trek sponsors) – helping raise vital awareness and funds.

Thank you, Charlotte and James, for using your voices to help save lives.