A SPONSORED swim for Bowel Cancer UK is to be completed by an Exmoor fund-raiser next month.

Bruce Harvey-Larmar, of The Great House, Timberscombe, is taking on a challenge to swim more than nine miles (15 km) to support the country’s leading bowel cancer charity.

Fifty-six-year-old Mr Harvey-Larmar suffered bowel cancer 11 years ago, and his mother died from the disease previously.

He decided to take part in ‘Swim15’ as his personal experience made him aware of just how important it was to raise awareness of bowel cancer and its symptoms.

Having already completed a sprint triathlon with a team of fund-raisers to bring in nearly £5,000, the swim was the next challenge he set himself.

Bowel Cancer UK’s ‘Swim15’ event takes place in August and asks people to become sponsored to complete their own swimming challenge which incorporates the number 15.

Bruce Harvey-Larmar and his wife Sheila bowel cancer fund-raising swim Timberscombe
Bruce Harvey-Larmar and his wife Sheila. ( )

It could be 15 laps a day, swimming for 15 days, or racking up 15 km throughout the month.

Each fund-raiser can set their own goal to suit their fitness and the money raised will help stop people dying of bowel cancer by raising awareness of the disease and financing vital services and lifesaving research.

Mr Harvey-Larmar said: “My diagnosis was actually triggered by training for a charity bike ride from London to Brighton.

“Something was not right and after initially treating myself for haemorrhoids, my GP very quickly sent me to hospital for a check.

“Cancer was confirmed in less than two weeks.

“My treatment and care at my local hospital was nothing short of angelic.

“Anything I can do to raise money for this cause is my way to show how grateful I am for the amazing care I received.

“I am always spreading awareness of bowel cancer and its early symptoms.

“I also try to encourage leading as healthy a life as possible in order to prevent cancers in the under 40s.”

Bowel Cancer UK director of fund-raising Luke Squires said: “Somebody is diagnosed with bowel cancer every 15 minutes in the UK, but it is treatable and curable if diagnosed early.

The Great House B&B, in Timberscombe, which Bruce Harvey-Larmar and his wife Sheila bought due to his cancer journey.
The Great House B&B, in Timberscombe, which Bruce Harvey-Larmar and his wife Sheila bought due to his cancer journey. ( )

“The funds raised by our ‘Swim15’ challenge will help us continue to save lives and improve the quality of life of everybody affected by the disease.

“We are so grateful to Bruce for taking part in ‘Swim15’ and really inspired by him for speaking so openly about his diagnosis and treatment.

“Make a splash this August and join us in helping to create a future where nobody dies of bowel cancer.”

Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK and the second biggest cancer killer, affecting both men and women with nearly 43,000 people diagnosed every year, or nearly 120 people a day.

It is treatable and curable especially if diagnosed early, and nearly everybody survives if diagnosed at the earliest stage.

However this drops significantly as the disease develops, meaning early diagnosis really does save lives.

People can sign up for Bowel Cancer UK’s ‘Swim15’ challenge and receive a free swimming badge by visiting www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/Swim15.