Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

Sharon Moore from Ystrad Mynach was diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer in 2020 aged just 47.

After receiving the devastating news three years ago, Mrs Moore underwent an emergency operation to remove two tumours from her colon and she now lives with a stoma – which is a small opening in the abdomen that is used to remove body waste.

Two years later, however, Mrs Moore was told “the most amazing news”, that her scan showed no evidence of cancer in a “miracle” recovery.

Inspired to help raise awareness of the disease, Mrs Moore teamed up with Bowel Cancer UK and challenged herself to swim 15km in the month of August last year where she raised £720.

Now, she is raising money again for Bowel Cancer UK by swimming 15km in August.

Speaking about the last few years, Mrs Moore said: “After my operation, I underwent a year of chemotherapy as I had 15 lesions which had spread to both my lungs. Despite my prognosis being poor and having received palliative care, I responded well to treatment and my lesions shrunk.

“I remained stable and wanted to find a way to be more active. I had many thoughts about swimming, but I put it off as I didn’t have the confidence to take the plunge.

“In May 2022 I received the most amazing news, I had a clear scan with no evidence of disease. All the lesions had disappeared. My oncologist said it was either a miracle or the lesions were Covid related.

“I felt amazing and had a new lease of life. At the same time, I felt guilty as I knew so many people were still being diagnosed, battling, or losing their fight with cancer.”

After a successful campaign last year, Mrs Moore is returning to the water once again: “When I saw the adverts for Swim15 I knew it was the right way for me to spread awareness, raise funds and get myself back in the pool.

“I felt like I was helping others while Swim15 was helping me. I loved every second of it and I’m so grateful to everyone who supported and sponsored me. Their generosity is invaluable to such a worthy cause.

“I would urge anyone who is thinking of swimming with a colostomy but is too afraid of how they will look or is put off by stoma complications, to take the plunge.”

Director of fundraising at Bowel Cancer UK, Luke Squires, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Sharon for taking part in Swim15, and really inspired by her for speaking so openly about her diagnosis and treatment.

“Over 2,500 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer every year in Wales, but it’s treatable and curable if diagnosed early. The money raised by our Swim15 challenge will help us make more people aware of the signs and symptoms of the disease, provide expert information and support to patients and their families, fund vital research, and campaign for early diagnosis and access to best treatment and care.”

Swim15 is a fundraising event that takes place every August and asks people to get sponsored and complete their own swimming challenge that incorporates the number 15.