A bowel cancer survivor will be celebrating 10 cancer-free years at the Vineyard Half Marathon’s tenth anniversary this May.

Mother of two Rachel Holdaway from Westerfield Canterbury was diagnosed with bowel cancer in May 2006, at the age of 41.

‘’To say this diagnosis was a huge shock would be an understatement. I thought I was too young to be affected by bowel cancer,’’ says Rachel.

Luckily for Rachel, the tumour was identified early on, and after recovering from two serious surgical operations has gone on to live a normal life, including running, swimming and cycling regularly.

‘’My story highlights the importance of early detection. Bowel cancer outcomes can be much more favourable when detected at an early stage.’’

Bowel Cancer New Zealand (BCNZ) is the Vineyard Half’s official charity partner.  Over the last two years we’ve raised more than $80,000 for the organisation which provides support for patients and families affected by the disease, and education on signs and symptoms while advocating for a nationwide screening programme.

Rachel, who is a former chairwoman of the organisation, says funds raised by the Vineyard Half entrants paid for BCNZ’s new website in 2014 and their national awareness month in June last year.

‘’The Vineyard Half is our biggest fundraiser, it’s a great way for people to get involved in something fun and challenging, while positively contributing to an important cause.’’

Over the next three months while our Vineyard Half entrants are all training for race day on May 14, our super awesome BCNZ entrants will also be busy raising as much money as possible.

Last year $50,000 was raised for BCNZ and we hope to equal or better that this year.  All the best with your fundraising efforts, if you’re not a BCNZ entrant, you can donate what you can here.