Scots urged to band together on 4 February to help beat cancer sooner
An Edinburgh dad of three diagnosed with bowel cancer just before his 50th birthday has been chosen as the face of a new fundraising campaign.
Stuart Riddell teamed up with his children, Duncan, 21, Louise, 19, and Claire, 15, to model new Unity Bands – which are being sold in all Cancer Research UK shops to raise funds for the charity as it bids to beat cancer sooner.
Made up of two parts, the wristbands form a knot to represent strength in unity, and are being launched to mark World Cancer Day on 4 February.
Speaking at the wristbands' launch, Stuart urged all 50 to 74 year olds to make use of a free bowel cancer screening test which is sent out through the post.
The test helps spot the is hidden cancer which as few visible symptoms but is now the third most common cancer in Scotland.
Don’t wait, get yourself checked out so if there is something there they can catch it early. I want to put a dent in cancer and the fear it can still instill.
Stuart, now 51, said: “I remember getting that standard letter just before my 50th birthday saying they’d be sending out my bowel cancer screening test.
“I had to call them up to say they didn’t need to send me a test as I already knew the result. I was right in the middle of fighting bowel cancer.
“But since then I’ve urged all my friends to take the free test as it’s a simple test which really could save your life.
"Men in particular are often reluctant to go to their doctor if they think they may have a problem. Don’t wait, get yourself checked out so if there is something there they can catch it early. I want to put a dent in cancer and the fear it can still instill.”
Rapid weight loss and stomach pain over several months first prompted PR consultant Stuart to visit his GP.
After a scan at the Western General Hospital, he was told he had two cancerous tumours and underwent a six-hour operation to remove one followed by six cycles of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
The cancer has not gone completely but Stuart, who has tests every second month, is upbeat about the future, particularly due to the support he receives from his family who were inspired to raise more than £7,500 for Cancer Research UK by taking part in a Race for Life in Edinburgh.
He added: “It was emotional going to watch my daughters run the Race for Life with signs on their back saying, 'Running for Dad.’
“The last thing I want to feel is that cancer is ruling me. Cancer is there but I’ll keep it at bay for as long as I can.
“Thanks to research and treatment, I’m still here today. That’s why I’m encouraging everyone to buy a Unity band to help beat cancer sooner.”
Lisa Adams, Cancer Research UK spokeswoman for Scotland said: “Thanks to advances being made in research, a small donation can really make a big difference.
“We hope people of all ages across Scotland will pick up a Unity band or make a small donation to Cancer Research UK on World Cancer Day.”
Supporters can buy a wristband from any Cancer Research UK shops or make a £3 donation by texting UNITE to 70200.
To find out more visit cruk.org/worldcancerday or search Twitter using the hashtag #WeWillUnite.
