BOWEL Cancer West is delighted to have been chosen as the Charity of the Year for the Devon County Show. 

Recognising how big the issue is of bowel cancer the charity reckons it can give a World Record a run for its money, but attempting to create the world’s longest toilet roll chain.

Working tirelessly to ensure the survival rates of those diagnosed with bowel cancer across the region, the charity is celebrating its 15th Anniversary, and invites everyone who is coming to the Devon County Show to bring along a decorated toilet roll tube to add to the chain. 

People of all ages can be affected by bowel cancer, and people of all ages can bring along their toilet roll tube – it can be funky, it can be fun, or it can be dedicated to someone.

The charity’s team will have an interactive stand at the show. Whilst everyone can have a go at the Smoothie Bike and make their own delicious healthy smoothies from pedal power, youngsters can have just as much fun by decorating toilet rolls that will be available, which will be added to the chain, in an endeavour to beat the Guinness World Record for the longest toilet roll chain, which stands at 9,208 metres, and was set in 2010. Or in real terms that’s 96,080 toilet roll tubes.

Explaining the charity’s mission, David Darke, patron and founder of Bowel Cancer West, and a dairy and sheep farmer himself, said: ’Raising awareness of Bowel Cancer is crucial. Too many people either aren’t aware of the symptoms of bowel cancer or choose to ignore them. 

‘As far as awareness of cancers go, it is one of the least spoken about in the UK. Our work is essential to ensure there is early detection for those who are diagnosed.  If caught early, over 90% of cases can be treated successfully.

‘The Devon County Show, with its huge and diverse audience, provides an ideal platform for us to carry out our work.

Through a region-wide survey of 1,000 adults, conducted by Bowel Cancer West, there were some alarming results.

Of those surveyed 91% admitted their knowledge of bowel cancer was either average or poor – the lowest in the country - while only 58% of those eligible for the bowel cancer screening programme attended their appointments. And 2 in 5 would be embarrassed discussing their bowels with a GP.

Devon County Show Manager, Lisa Moore, commented: “Most of us know someone who has either had a scare or has been diagnosed with bowel cancer. I’m delighted the Devon County Show is able to support Bowel Cancer West and help them to achieve their objectives.

“As well as their stand at the show, volunteers will roam the showground with collection buckets.  We implore all of our visitors to bring spare change for the buckets, although donations can also be made by card.”

The Devon County Show takes place at Westpoint from May 16 to 18.