Bowel cancer patient warns of silent killer

A man diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer said there were “no symptoms”.

Mark Butcher, from Westbury, Wiltshire, is dedicating his final months to supporting other patients and raising awareness that this condition can affect anyone, regardless of their age.

His friends are also embarking on a 15-hour training challenge this month to raise money for St Peter’s Hospice and Bowel Cancer UK.

“There are so many patients – even many younger than me – who are diagnosed with bowel cancer. I really want to support them,” said the 45-year-old.

Mr Butcher received a “completely unexpected” diagnosis in November 2021. He began experiencing “sudden abdominal pain”, which was initially thought to be appendicitis.

But a scan revealed Mr Butcher’s intestine was “completely blocked” by a cancerous tumour.

Last June, he underwent a grueling 15-hour operation to treat the disease.

Surgeons then discovered that the cancer had spread to his liver.

In an effort to treat the disease, doctors performed cytoreductive surgery followed by heated chemotherapy – dubbed “the mother of all surgeries” by medical professionals.

This is an incision from the breastbone to the pelvis, where doctors physically remove all the cancer cells.

The chemotherapy is then heated and the liquid is poured into the body, with the aim of eliminating any remaining cells.

The 15-hour procedure is highly invasive and risky, and involves a “great recovery” afterward.

“I’ve always tried to be true to my values,” Mr Butcher said.

“What I told my daughter and my wife is that in the end, I want to be able to look them in the eye and know that I did everything that was physically possible.

“It gave me at least another year, which is great.”

His best friend, David Champion, is organizing the fundraiser at Kokoro Fitness in Bristol on June 22, with all the money going to St Peter’s Hospice and Bowel Cancer UK.

“Mark didn’t take a break during his surgery, so we’re going to try to keep moving throughout this time,” Mr Champion said.

They also want to highlight the “incredible work” of St Peter’s Hospice, which is already supporting Mr Butcher and his family.

So far they have raised more than £5,000 for the charities.

On the day of the fundraiser, Mr Champion will be joined by around 12 others who will commit to a full 15 hours, from 04:00 BST to 19:00.

Throughout the day, others will join us for shorter periods.

“Everyone wanted to do something,” he said.

“You feel helpless in these situations and Mark has been such an inspiration.”

During the last hours, Mr. Boucher and his family will be there to support the participants.

Her 14-year-old daughter also hopes to participate.

“It will be emotional and bittersweet,” Mr Butcher said.

“There will be many tears shed and many happy memories.”

He said the amount of “messages, love and support” was “overwhelming”.

“There are people who I probably haven’t interacted with in over 30 years who are sending me money and messages of support,” he added.

“It makes me realize how much we unconsciously impact other people’s lives.

“It shows what a lifelong friendship really means: When you need that love and support, it’s there.”