I am 34 years old, recently married, enjoy good food and wine, but most importantly keeping fit and healthy. Having competed in competitive sports all my life, run multiple marathons, and finished the Australian Ironman – I have been fortunate to enjoy a life of very good health.

In 2014, I attended the Kennett Builders 100 year celebration with my wife.  The function featured an interview with Nick Lee and stories from some of the amazing people that the Jodi Lee Foundation has touched. Before hearing these stories, I was somewhat ignorant about bowel cancer. I thought it was a disease that effected older, unhealthy people – not those in their 20’s or 30’s.

One of these stories had a profound impact on me. A story from a 28-year-old male, Tom Hedditch, who had taken the opportunity to test through a workplace provided bowel-screening pack. This guy was fit. He had previously run marathons and was in the prime of his life. He was just like me.

The following day, I threw two tests in the weekly shopping trolley for my wife and I  – testing just doesn’t get any easier than that.

A few days later I received a positive result, visited my GP and then went in for a colonoscopy. The procedure identified and removed a single polyp.

In a follow up consultation, my doctor informed me that the pathology results were clear. There was no reason to be concerned. I was filled with a sense of relief. I was grateful to have heard Tom’s story, which encouraged me to take a proactive approach to my own health.

I continue to lead a very happy and healthy life. I have made a commitment to myself to continue regular testing. It’s an easy thing to do.

I have now proudly returned to Kennett Builders and am inspired by the support they continue to show toward the incredible work of the Jodi Lee Foundation.