A LLANTWIT Major woman who beat cancer is now volunteering for Bowel Cancer UK.

Sacha Stoyle was diagnosed with stage two bowel cancer in 2020 after noticing blood in her poo and visiting the toilet more frequently.

After a successful operation and four days in hospital, Ms Stoyle was able to go home. On her check-up a month later, she learned she didn’t require any further treatment but is now on a surveillance plan to watch for any reoccurrence.

Ms Stoyle is now volunteering alongside Bowel Cancer UK on their Cardiff tour which features a giant inflatable bowel, to help raise awareness of the disease and its symptoms.

Genevieve Edwards, chief executive at Bowel Cancer UK, says: “We are so grateful to Sacha for sharing her story to spread awareness of bowel cancer and its symptoms.

“We know that awareness of bowel cancer in Cardiff is quite low with nearly a quarter of people living in the capital (23 per cent) unaware of any of the symptoms of the disease.”

Starting next week, Bowel Cancer UK is bringing their awareness roadshow to Cardiff - and Ms Stoyle will be there to support.

They will be inviting Cardiff locals to walk inside a giant inflatable bowel to demonstrate the various stages of bowel cancer and raise awareness of its symptoms and the importance of taking part in screening.

She added: “We hope our giant inflatable bowel is a fun way to break the ice and start having those lifesaving conversations.

“We’re here to welcome everyone to a tour of the giant inflatable bowel, answer any questions you have about your bowel health, and signpost you for further support. No appointment is necessary. See you inside!”

It’s also a chance for people to ask any questions or share any worries about bowel cancer, whether about themselves, a loved one or a friend, to one of Bowel Cancer UK’s friendly and experienced staff and volunteers.

There will also be a quiz to test people’s knowledge of bowel cancer symptoms, with the chance to enter a competition to win a year’s supply of Andrex toilet roll.  

The inflatable bowel will be in Cardiff on the following dates.

  • Tuesday, November 21, from 10am until 4pm outside Cardiff Central Library (St David’s, Hayes Place, CF10 1FL);
  • Wednesday, November 22, from 10am until 4pm outside Capitol Shopping Centre (where Churchill Way meets Queen Street, CF10 2HQ);
  • Thursday, November 23, from 10am until 4pm at Capital Shopping Park (Leckwith Rd, CF11 8EG).