WHEN keen kayaker Paul Jenkins discovered he had bowel cancer it could have spelled the end for his beloved sea kayaking trips.

But, thanks to the 'professionalism and dedication' of staff at Royal Bournemouth Hospital's Ward 16 he's recovered and raised £5,000 for the ward after taking on a number of sea kayaking challenges.

Paul only discovered he had bowel cancer after visiting his local GP because of a dull ache under his ribs accompanied by unexplained weight loss. He was referred to the Royal Bournemouth Hospital for further checks.

An ultrasound scan revealed a thickening of his gall bladder and it was discovered he had a tumour in his ascending colon. Paul was admitted to Ward 16, which specialises in major operations following a diagnosis of bowel cancer and following treatment to remove the tumour, Paul was determined to give something back.

He took on a number of kayaking challenges – including kayaking from Swanage to the Needles on the Isle of Wight, as well as trips along the Jurassic Coast and circumnavigating Portland – and smashed his fundraising target.

“The professionalism and dedication of NHS staff is unwavering despite all the challenges they continually have to face," said Paul. "I would like to say a big thank you to my family and friends and all those over the last 12 months who similarly supported and helped me reach my fundraising target."

Bournemouth Hospital Charity Fundraiser, David James, said: “We are so grateful to Paul for his fantastic fundraising efforts for bowel cancer patients and staff on Ward 16 of the Hospital. It’s only with generous donations such as this that we can provide the extra care and support we would expect for our own families. The charity pays for the little and big extras which are not funded by the NHS.”

Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK with nearly 42,000 people being diagnosed with the disease and more than 16,000 people dying from it every year. Bowel cancer can affect anyone of any age, with more than 2,500 new cases diagnosed each year in people under the age of 50. Further information on bowel cancer can be found on the NHS website at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bowel-cancer/