Photographing Amy Macdonald

I was given the wonderful opportunity to photograph Amy Macdonald last year for the forthcoming bowel cancer charity book, The Record. She very kindly agreed to me being given a photo pass for her concert at GLive in Guildford. It was an amazing experience, and I literally had to kneel in front of the stage to take the photos. The concert was terrific with Amy playing a stripped back set with her three-piece band. I love this photo, which I edited using a low-key effect, but it won't be the one I use in the book, where I will reveal the first record that Amy bought. She has a Best Of album coming out in November, and a UK tour in 2019, so exciting times for her.

The new book is in its final stages now, and I am aiming to finish the photography and meeting by the end of this year with a view to publishing in the first part of 2019. It is is the follow up to my 2015 book, Lives & Times, which has so far raised over £4000. All funds raised will be donated to Bowel Cancer UK (Beating Bowel Cancer Together) in memory of my mum who died in August 2016 after being diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2012. This awful disease is the second highest cancer killer in the UK, but if detected early it is treatable in over 90% of cases. So apart from raising funds, the book will help to raise awareness about bowel cancer, which is vital to improving early detection rates.

Please check out my ETSY store. where all the proceeds raised from sales of items sold are donated to the Bowel Cancer UK.

Meeting Deborah James for The Record

Coming up for a year ago, last September, I spent a really nice evening in the company of Deborah James in Richmond. She'd happily agreed to be in my forthcoming fundraising book, The Record, which I am hoping will be published in spring 2019. It was a fascinating, and enlightening experience listening to her story, and talking at length about bowel cancer. Deborah, married with two young children, has an aggressive form of stage 4 bowel cancer. Since her diagnosis she has played a major role in raising awareness about the disease, as well as raising a considerable amount of money for Bowel Cancer UK. She uses the "Bowel Babe" name on social media, and I would highly recommend following her. She leads her life at 100 miles an hour - I would compare her to a human hurricane! She spoke with great passion about bowel cancer, but also with a lot of common sense. Since her diagnosis she has undergone a gruelling course of chemotherapy as well as surgery, and not surprisingly there are times when she is completely wiped out, but she keeps bouncing back, and she refuses to let cancer rule her life.

We chatted for about three hours with beers and wine as refreshments, and although the conversation covered every aspect surrounding her illness, Deborah was great fun, a master of fruity language, and with laughter never too far away. She is a really inspiring individual, and it really is a great chapter for the book. Deborah is also involved in the enlightening and successful podcast "You, Me and the Big C" #youmebigc which is well worth checking out. The number one podcast features Deborah, along with Rachael Bland and Lauren Mahon talking about living with cancer. It will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions, but it's a brilliant listen. Very sadly Rachael died last week, so my thoughts are very much with her family and friends at this time.

Bowel cancer is the second highest cancer killer in the UK claiming 16,000 lives each year. However if detected early it can be successfully treated in over 90% of cases. A massive challenge is to improve the early detection rates giving more patients a better chance of living longer. At the moment only 15% of bowel cancer patients are diagnosed at the early stage 1. I am writing the book in memory of my mum, who sadly passed away from bowel cancer in August 2016. All funds raised from sales of this book will be donated to Bowel Cancer UK (Beating Bowel Cancer Together), who have recently joined together, to become the UK's leading bowel cancer charity. Please visit my ETSY online store where there is a whole range of items that can be purchased to raise funds for the charity. Over £4000 has been raised so far.

Bowel Cancer Skydive Countdown

It's now less than four weeks until I do the charity tandem skydive to raise funds for Bowel Cancer UK. The support so far has been absolutely incredible, currently standing at £1300. I can't thank everyone enough, and it would be fantastic to get this figure even higher. Sponsoring me is very quick, and easy at my justgiving page. 

I've made no secret at my fear of heights, I am absolutely petrified. On my recent trip to New York I went up The Empire State Building. It was one of the most scary things I've ever done, but one little bit of training for the jump. Don't be fooled by the smile in the photo I was hanging on for dear life!

Mum passed away in 2016 after living with bowel cancer for four and a half years. This jump is being done in her memory raising vital funds for Bowel Cancer UK, and also to raise awareness about this awful disease, which is the second highest cancer killer in the UK. However, if detected early, it can be successfully treated in 93% of cases. The problem is that only 15% of patients are diagnosed at the early stage 1, so much more work needs to be done to improve this.

Set the date. Saturday July 14th. Tim's charity bowel cancer skydive!

Meeting Jacquie Beltrao at Sky HQ

The latest meeting for the new bowel cancer fundraising book was with Jacquie Beltrao, who is a sports presenter on Sky News. We met at the state of the art Sky Central building in Isleworth, which was mightily impressive. Jacquie has worked at Sky since 1992, and it was fascinating talking to her about all kinds of things. She was diagnosed with breast cancer at the end of 2013, and thankfully has come through that, but of course she still has regular scans. I was very grateful for Jacquie's support, and I know she spends a lot of time working with breast cancer charities. I have to say that Jacquie's first record is an absolute belter! This will be a great chapter to write up.

The new book, called The Record, will hopefully be published within the next 12 months. I am raising funds for Beating Bowel Cancer / Bowel Cancer UK in memory of my mum who passed away in 2016 from bowel cancer after being diagnosed in 2012. Bowel cancer is the second highest cancer killer in the UK, but if detected at an early stage it can be successfully treated in over 90% of cases. Unfortunately at the moment just 15% of diagnosed cases are caught early, so raising awareness is vital. The new book will be available on my www.bowelcancerfundraising.co.uk website, which has raised over £4000 so far. And next up for me in terms of fundraising is my charity tandem skydive in July.

Skydive Sponsorship Target Smashes 100%

Just three weeks ago I signed up for the charity tandem skydive this July to raise funds for Bowel Cancer UK in memory of Mum who passed away in 2016 from bowel cancer. The response has been staggering, and has now smashed the £1000 target I set for the challenge. I'd like to thank everyone who has sponsored me so far, it has really touched me how friends, old and new, have been so bloody wonderful! Thank you so so much!

There are still almost two months to go until "The Big Jump", so I would love for the figure to keep rising, and to raise as much money as possible. So please visit my sponsorship page https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/tims-bigjump and support me if you can. I am genuinely petrified about doing this, and I have no idea how I am going to physically "jump" out of a plane, but this tremendous support is giving me the motivation to face this challenge head on.

Bowel cancer is the second highest cancer killer in the UK. If detected early it can be successfully treated in over 90% of cases. However, just 15% of cases are detected at that early stage at the moment. Raising awareness is vital, and improving early detection rates is a massive challenge. The aim of Bowel Cancer UK / Beating Bowel Cancer is that by 2050 no-one will die of bowel cancer..

Charity Tandem Skydive Sponsorship Reaches £795

Training at The Empire State Building

The very generous sponsorship donations for my charity tandem skydive this July have continued, and I am now well on the way to my target figure of £1000. To date I have received a wonderful £795, so a huge thanks to everyone who has kindly supported me so far. 

My recent trip to New York gave me an opportunity to do a bit of training when I went up The Empire State Building. The views were stunning, but the smiling photo masks the fact that it took a lot of will power to make myself go to the railings, and looking down was terrifying! My thoughts at the time were how on earth am I going to be able to jump out of plane at 10,000 feet... However, I am putting those thoughts to the back of my mind for the time being.

Click here for my justgiving page 

or Text GEUU71 £? to 70070

Cash or Cheques

There are two main reasons why I am doing this. Firstly in memory of my wonderful mum lost to bowel cancer in 2016. Secondly,  41,000 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer each year in the UK, and what they have to endure puts my worries about jumping out of a plane very much into perspective. 

So please if you could sponsor me I would be so very grateful. I am raising money for Beating Bowel Cancer / Bowel Cancer UK, the UK's leading bowel cancer charity.

April is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month - Day 22 Fundraising Edging Towards £4000

During bowel cancer awareness month my fundraising is edging ever closer towards £4000. The support over the last two and a half years has been incredible, and even though the new book is still some way from being completed, I think that there is still plenty of scope for raising funds, most of which is done through sales on my own website www.bowelcancerfundraising.co.uk. Here are some the items that are helping to raise funds

Paperback and hardback editions of Lives & Times.

The limited edition silk screen print created and donated by Adam Green. I have one of these hanging on my wall, and it's superb.

Stop Bowel Cancer t-shirts - a recent edition to the online store, which are already selling well in a variety of colours, and only cost £8.

Deluxe or standard portrait photography sessions.

STOP Bowel Cancer wristbands - The latest addition to the website, and only cost £1

Bowel cancer is the second highest cancer killer in the UK with 16,000 people losing their lives to it each year. However, if diagnosed at an early stage, it can be successfully treated in over 90% of cases. Raising awareness about bowel cancer is key, as is increasing early detection rates. All proceeds raised from my fundraising are donated to Beating Bowel Cancer / Bowel Cancer UK. I have been fundraising for over 5 years now since my Mum had her first operation in 2012. Sadly she lost her battle with bowel cancer in 2016, but the fundraising continues in her memory.

April is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month - Day 3 More Colours Added To The STOP BOWEL CANCER T-Shirt Range

To coincide with bowel cancer awareness month, and the popularity of the 'STOP BOWEL CANCER' T-Shirts, today I am expanding the colours available with the addition of three new colours perfectly timed for the warmer weather if it ever arrives! Fuschia, Sunflower Yellow and Light Blue have been added to range making seven colours in total in both ladies and mens. 

I am selling the t-shirts for just £8 + P&P from my bowelcancerfundraising.co.uk website, and all proceeds raised from sales are donated to the charity. A massive thanks to Jocelyn at DMI Embroidery for supporting this venture, and enabling me to sell the t-shirts at this great low price. 

The idea behind the t-shirts is very simple, to help increase awareness about bowel cancer, and to raise some funds for Beating Bowel Cancer / Bowel Cancer UK. They have sold really well, and I have already received some great photos from some of the happy customers, but there is still plenty of room for more photos to be added 😉

Please get behind this idea, and together we can help make a difference. Bowel cancer is the second highest cancer killer in the UK taking 16,000 lives each year - one person dies every 30 seconds... However, if detected early, it can be successfully treated in over 90% of cases. Much more needs to be done to increase awareness about this awful disease, and to improve early detection rates. Currently just 15% of patients are diagnosed at this early stage...

I have been fundraising since 2012, after Mum's bowel cancer diagnosis. She passed away in 2016, and all my fundraising is being done in her memory.

Meeting Lucy Porter for The Record - A Fundraising Book For Bowel Cancer

Last weekend I got to meet comedian Lucy Porter shortly before her gig at Norden Farm in Maidenhead, which is located in the road where my parents lived for almost 50 years, and where I grew up. This came together very quickly, as I'd only made contact with Lucy just a week or so earlier. She couldn't have been nicer, and as well as spending some time chatting with me, and doing some photos, Lucy also organised me a ticket for the show. It was very entertaining evening, and I'd highly recommend seeing Lucy live. In the forthcoming book I will reveal Lucy's first record she bought, which is an absolute belter!

The Record is being written in memory of my Mum who had bowel cancer, and passed away in August 2016. All proceeds raised will be donated to Beating Bowel Cancer / Bowel Cancer UK, the UK's leading bowel cancer charity. Bowel cancer is the second highest cancer killer in the UK claiming 16,000 lives each year. However, if detected early it can be successfully treated in over 90% of cases. Much more needs to be done to raise bowel cancer awareness, and improve early detection rates to give patients a better chance of survival.

Please check out www.bowelcancerfundraising.co.uk for everything I am doing to raise funds for the charity.

Who Could I Meet In New York In May For My Bowel Cancer Charity Book?

This May I will be going to America for the first time, and although I will only be in New York for a few days, I thought it would be amazing if I could get a high profile New Yorker to come on board, The Record, my forthcoming bowel cancer fundraising book.  I am doing the book in memory of my Mum to raise money for Beating Bowel Cancer / Bowel Cancer UK. Apart from it potentially being a brilliant experience in an amazing location, it would also potentially help raise the profile of the book, and my fundraising in America. 

So if you know of any celebrities in New York, who you think might be good to target, please let me know. 

My Mum was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2012. After her bowel operation she lived on for almost five years before passing away in 2016. She had 4 operations to remove nodules from her lungs, and towards the end she received 'CyberKnife' treatment when the cancer spread to her brain. Throughout her cancer journey she lived with great courage and dignity, but the cancer never defined her, and she lived a very normal and happy life. 41,000 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer in the UK each year, and 16,000 people lose their lives. It is the second highest cancer killer, but if detected early it is very treatable in over 90% of cases. Much more needs to be done in raising awareness about this awful disease, and help increase early detection rates.

Bill Turnbull Fighting Cancer

The news broke this week that Bill Turnbull is being treated for prostate cancer. Thoughts are very much with Bill and his family at this time. He is encouraging more people to get tested, and catch the disease at an earlier stage, and have a better long term prognosis.

We met up for the new fundraising book in Leicester Square last autumn. Bill currently presents a show from there on Classic FM, following a long and distinguished career in journalism, including 16 years with BBC Breakfast News. So why is Bill holding my copy of 'The Stand' by The Alarm? I am sure all will become clear when you read the chapter in the book, but when he interviewed Mike Peters from the band on BBC Breakfast there was a bit of love for The Alarm going on. I really enjoyed my time with Bill. He was really talkative, very supportive, and great fun - not just with stuff about The Alarm, but also with the bowel cancer tie. We then sat down and chatted about his life and career, so it's going to be yet another great chapter in the book.

The reason why Bill and everyone in the book is taking part is to help raise awareness about this awful disease, and raise funds for Beating Bowel Cancer / Bowel Cancer UK, who have recently merged to become the UK's leading bowel cancer charity. My Mum passed away in August 2016 having been first been diagnosed with cancer back in 2012. Bowel cancer claims 16,000 lives each year, making it the second highest cancer killer in the UK. Yet if detected early it can be successfully treated in over 90% of cases.

Please support my fundraising on my www.bowelcancerfundraising.co.uk website.

Laura Boyd Supporting The Record

On this day in 2017 I was in Glasgow to meet and photograph Scottish Television presenter Laura Boyd for my forthcoming bowel cancer fundraising book, The Record. To date this is still the furthest that I have gone to take a picture on my fundraising travels. I had originally approached Laura to be in the Lives & Times book, but unfortunately we weren't able to make that happen, so I was really happy to get the opportunity this time around.

Laura was diagnosed with leukemia since in 2009. She epitomizes positivity and living life to the full that I have seen in so many people living with cancer. This will be reflected in the photo that I have chosen to use in the forthcoming book, which is not the photo that I had planned to use... All will become clear in the book.

We met at Kelvingrove Park in the centre of Glasgow, which was somewhere where I could safely park with the dogs - sadly, Storm, one of my dogs has since died of lymphoma. Our midday meeting also allowed me to make a brief visit to Balloch Castle on Loch Lomond in the morning, which was a great location suggested by Laura. She was lovely to talk to and was very relaxed for the photos, which made my job, both enjoyable, and very straight forward. It's a really great chapter, and Laura's first record is an absolute belter! 😉 Since we met Laura has got married, and more recently she has started a blog, For The L Of It. Since we took this selfie I have got my hair a little more under control!

The book is being done in memory of my Mum, who died in August 2016 four and a half years after being diangnosed with bowel cancer. All funds raised from sales will be donated to Bowel Cancer UK (Beating  Bowel Cancer Together), the UK's leading bowel cancer charity. The book will also help raise awareness about this awful illness, which is the 2nd highest cancer killer in the UK. Yet if detected early it is very treatable in over 90% of cases.

Please check out my online fundraising store, where my other books are sold, alongside with art, t-shirts, mugs and pretty much anything that will raise funds for the charity 😊 The fundraising  now stands at over £4000. I am hoping that The Record will be publishedduring the first half of 2019, although this might change depending on quickly I can complete the meetings and photography I have still got to do...

Portrait Photography Sessions Raising Funds For Bowel Cancer

Deborah James

The idea behind offering portrait photograph sessions is to raise money for Bowel Cancer UK / Beating Bowel Cancer, the UK's leading bowel cancer charity. My Mum was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2012, and this very soon became stage 4 when it spread to her left lung. Over the course of four and half years she had five major operations, and also CyberKnife treatment when the cancer spread to her brain. She passed away on August 29th 2016.

In May 2017 I met and photographed Deborah James for my forthcoming fundraising book,The Record. She was a truly inspirational woman, who had a very aggressive form of bowel cancer, and yet was so positive and full of laughter. Sadly Debs passed away on July 27th, but I think that the opportunity to photograph Debs, and others, probably planted the seed of the idea in my mind.

Much more needs to be done, both in terms of fundraising and raising awareness, to try and bring down the numbers of people that bowel cancer is taking. 41,000 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer in the UK, and 16,000 people are lost to bowel cancer each year. It is the second highest cancer killer, and yet if detected early it can be successfully treated in over 90% of cases. Less than 10% of patients detected at an advanced stage (stage 4) survive for more than five years.

With Spring fast approaching now is the perfect time to think about having some photos done. For the photo sessions I am offering two options. The standard portrait session will cost £25. I will travel to you, and take your family photos (pets included) in an outdoor setting. Included in the cost will be a link to the photos, which you will then be able to download, edit and print off to your own requirements.

The deluxe family photography session will cost £35. I will travel to you, and take your family photos (pets included) in an outdoor setting. I will edit the photos to your satisfaction. You will be able to choose two photos 8"x10" (or smaller if you wish) which will then be printed off and sent to you. Also included in the cost will be a link to the photos, which you will then be able to download, edit and print off to your own requirements.

I live in Berkshire, so any local setting is good. However I am happy to travel pretty much anywhere to take the photos, although long distance trips will have to be arranged at a mutually convenient time, and location to make them viable. All proceeds raised will be donated to the Beating Bowel Cancer charity.

Since I launched this idea about 6 months ago, I have done a wedding, a 50th birthday, and a number of one on one photo sessions. All of these have contributed to my fundraising total, which taking into account everything that is available to buy on my website, now stands at £3750.

For more information please use the contact form, or you can buy a session from bowelcancerfundraising.co.uk.

Heavy Metal Legends Saxon Photographed in Cardiff

Saxon

Cardiff University was the location for the latest photo for The Record, my forthcoming bowel cancer fundraising book. Biff Byford, lead singer with the legendary heavy metal band, Saxon, had kindly agreed to take part in book. I got to meet him just after the band's soundcheck, and instead of doing a photo there and then, Biff suggested I did the photo of the band during their set, so he organised me with a photo pass. What an experience it was being able capture the band in action. Biff was lovely, happy to chat and answer my questions, even though it was a very busy evening for the band.

Waiting by the side of the stage before entering the photo pit

The band have just released a new album, Thunderbolt, which made the top 30 in the UK album chart on its first week of release. Biff told the crowd, that this was the first time the band had been back in the top 30 album charts since 1984!

Set List

The gig was brilliant, and the band played a great career spanning set. Songs old and new alike went down very well with the very enthusiastic audience. This was the first night of the bands 2018 world tour, and although they were only playing three shows in the UK before heading to Europe and America, they will be back in the autumn for part 2. And 2019 is a big year for the band, as they will be celebrating their 40th anniversary. I first got into Saxon when '747 Strangers In The Night' was a hit in 1980. Having a big brother, who was (still is to be fair) into his rock music, it probably was no surprise that some of it rubbed off on me.

Biff!

So this will make another great chapter for the book. As soon as I messaged Biff, and explained that I was doing a fundraising book in memory of my Mum who passed away from bowel cancer in 2016, he immediately agreed to be involved. All proceeds raised from sales of the forthcoming book will be donated to Beating Bowel Cancer / Bowel Cancer UK, the UK's leading bowel cancer charity. Bowel cancer remains the 2nd highest cancer killer in the UK, claiming 16,000 lives each year. Yet if detected early it can be successfully treated in over 90% of cases. Much more needs to be done in raising awareness, and improving early diagnosis rates.

Meeting Gabby Logan For The Lives & Times Bowel Cancer Fundraising Book

It required a little bit of patience in my quest to meet Gabby Logan for the Lives & Times bowel cancer charity book. I'd initially made contact with Gabby on Twitter, and she immediately agreed to be in the book. After months of near misses, cancellations, and me nagging her agent, we finally did the photograph for the book, in Reading of all places, being where I live. Gabby was at an event there supporting the Great British Tennis Weekend in 2015. We met towards the end of her stint, so time was against me, but she kindly chatted for a few minutes, and happily posed for photos including this one with the bowel cancer tie. The chapter includes the near miss story of going to do this photo at the BBC Match of the Day studios in Manchester. Gabby was absolutely lovely, and I really appreciate her support for the book.

My mother sadly passed away in 2016 from bowel cancer, having first being diagnosed in 2012. Four years, and five major operations - it was only when the cancer spread to her brain that her health declined. She died peacefully with me, my brother and sister at her bedside. My fundraising has continued, if anything with even greater passion and drive, and now dedicated to the memory of our wonderfully brave and courageous mum. Please support this fundraising book, which is available on my website, as every sale counts both in raising money and raising awareness about bowel cancer. All proceeds raised from sales are donated to the Beating Bowel Cancer / Bowel Cancer UK, who have recently merged to become the UK's leading bowel cancer charity. Over £3750 has been raised so far.

Over the course of 18 months I met and photographed people from all walks of life to form the chapters of Lives & Times. Every single person taking part has given up their own time to do it and all funds raised go to the Beating Bowel Cancer charity. As well as Gabby, others included are, Sir Steve Redgrave, Katherine Grainger, Jonathan Agnew, Nadine Dorries, Lorraine Kelly, Christopher Biggins, Matthew Wright, Freya North, Gail Porter, Alan Davies, Shaun Keaveny, Carrie Grant, Mike Read, Status Quo, The Stranglers, The Alarm, Clare Grogan and many others.

The Record - A Bowel Cancer Charity Book

Mum

My third charity book will be called The Record, and 2017 was a very busy and productive year, which saw me go past the half-way stage in the new book's creation, and opens up the possibility of having the book published towards the end of 2018, although if it has to go back into 2019 I will not be too worried. The important thing is to get it as good as possible, and not to rush it.

The Record will feature patients, and their families affected by bowel cancer. I met Gina Shergold who lost her husband Steve to bowel cancer aged just 33, Steve Clark who is approaching the five year mark with stage 4 bowel cancer, Lauren Backler who lost her mum to bowel cancer, and who is tirelessly campaigning to get the screening age reduced to 50 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. I also met 'Bowel Babe' Deborah James, a stage 4 cancer patient who is like a tornado in her life with advanced bowel cancer, raising awareness, and huge amounts of money. Then there was another Deborah James, who I had got to know over a couple of years on social media, and we finally met up in May. Sadly she passed away in July aged just 37 years old, and she left a lasting impression on me and many others. I also had the very sad news just after Christmas that Norma de Bidaph, who featured in Lives & Times, had passed away after a long battle with bowel cancer.

Being Taught Selfies by Deborah James 

Sport has played a big part in the book too, meeting with ex-professional footballers Kevin Sheedy and Eddie Gray. Kevin is a bowel cancer survivor. I've so far met 5 Olympic gold medallists: Anne Dickins, Jeanette Chippington, Carl Hester, Christine Ohuruogu and Zac Purchase. 

I've already met with a very eclectic list of musicians: Frank Turner, John Coghlan, Steve Hackett, Steve Barnard, James Stevenson, Amy Macdonald, New Model Army, Skinny Lister, Hazel O'Connor, The Levellers, and Billy Ocean. Plenty more planned so watch this space.

I kept up the tradition of cricket related people I began in the last book, Lives & Times. I met with journalist George Dobell in Birmingham, and commentators Daniel Norcross and Natalie Germanos. I am still hoping to meet Ebony Rainford-Brent and Mike Selvey. 

The world of television, media and entertainment has been very fruitful with meetings with Victoria Derbyshire, Nicola Bryant, Bill Turnbull, Sean Fletcher, David Baddiel, Janet Ellis, and Colin Murray. I spent a brilliant day in South Yorkshire where I met writer and broadcaster Andrew White, followed by the brilliant poet Ian McMillan. There was also a trip to Glasgow to meet Laura Boyd from STV - Laura who has been living with leukaemia since 2009. 2017 ended with a wonderful meeting with Basil Brush in pantomime at Windsor.

Boom Boom!

So now as 2018 continues there is little let up. I have a big list of people I am hoping to meet up with including, Kim Wilde, Michelle Collins, Susan George, Dan Walker, Daf Wyn-Farr Jones, Frazer Hines, Steve Norman, Jona Lewie, Jay Aston, Jules Peters, Adam Green, Kirsty Duffy, Terry Christian, Ed Bazelgette, Stacey Heale, Sian Lloyd, Matt Allwright, Richard & Sarah Haugh, Mark Flannigan, Mari Isdale, Jacquie Beltrao, Omid Djalili, Noel Darvell, Gareth Jones, Freya North, Gail Porter, Elizabeth Alker, David Grant, Nick Robinson, Rick Witter, Biff Byford and Annabel Giles. I am also still on the lookout for more people.

A big thank you to everyone who has been involved so far, and for those coming up during 2018. The recent news of Beating Bowel Cancer merging with Bowel Cancer UK, creating the UK's leading bowel cancer charity gives fresh impetus to everyone, and the hope that by 2050 no-one will die of bowel cancer. I will be meeting the charity's Chief Executive, Deborah Alsina, for the book.

I've recently had a logo designed for my bowelcancerfundraising website, giving an identity to my fundraising efforts as things move forward. Have a look at the site as everything that is sold on the site is raising funds for the charity.

STOP Bowel Cancer Fundraising T-Shirts

In January I launched these 'STOP BOWEL CANCER' T-Shirts. The idea, being very simple, to help increase awareness about bowel cancer, and to raise some funds for Beating Bowel Cancer / Bowel Cancer UK. They have sold really well, and I have already received some great photos from some of the happy customers, but there is still plenty of room for more photos to be added 😉

I am selling the t-shirts for just £8 + P&P from my bowelcancerfundraising.co.uk website, and all proceeds raised from sales are donated to the charity. A massive thanks to Jocelyn at DMI Embroidery for supporting this venture, and enabling me sell the t-shirts at this great low price. The t-shirts are available in four colours and in a full range of sizes in both men's and ladies.

Please get behind this idea, and together we can help make a difference. Bowel cancer is the second highest cancer killer in the UK taking 16,000 lives each year. However, if detected early, it can be successfully treated in over 90% of cases. Much more needs to be done to increase awareness about this awful disease, and to improve early detection rates.

I have been fundraising since 2012, after Mum's bowel cancer diagnosis. She passed away in 2016, and all my fundraising is being done in her memory.

The Lives & Times Bowel Cancer Charity Book

On the back cover of the Lives & Times bowel cancer charity book I use the following description, "Over the course of 18 months I met and photographed people from all walks of life to form the chapters of Lives & Times. Every single person taking part has given up their own time to do it and all funds raised go to the Beating Bowel Cancer charity." And that's it really, but how can I entice anyone reading this to buy the book.

Inside the book there are over 100 photographs and over 40,000 words. I met Olympians Sir Steve Redgrave and Katherine Grainger. From the world of entertainment I met Gabby Logan, Lorraine Kelly, Alan Davies, Christopher Biggins and Matthew Wright.

There was always something interested to write having met people. Sometimes it was because they had an interesting story to tell or sometimes it was because something unexpected would happen. In the case of Clare Grogan from Altered Images I managed to get thrown out of the photo pit at the concert I was at! 

With Gail Porter I had a highly entertaining hour or so with her at Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. She managed to get me on a loop-the-loop roller coaster! But Gail was typical of so many who responded immediately to my request with a yes, and took a leap of faith in this complete stranger who was on a mission to produce a charity book supporting Beating Bowel Cancer.

Music plays a big part in my life and it was not surprising that the book contains quite a few bands and musicians. For example there are chapters on The Wonder Stuff, Dodgy, The Alarm, Stiff Little Fingers, Billy Franks from The Faith Brothers, Horace Panter from The Specials, The Stranglers, Tim Wheeler from Ash, Dave Fenton from The Vapors, and Status Quo. In fact Quo were the very first band I approached and a few weeks later I was in the photo pit at the Hammersmith Apollo photographing the band. The evening had a strange ending...

Sport features in the book and as well footballing heroes such as Charlie Nicholas, Mick Channon and Phil Parkes, cricket features quite heavily. I spent months chasing BBC commentator Jonathan Agnew, and I finally got to meet him at Lords. I also got to meet David Lloyd, Melinda Farrell, Henry Blofeld, Michael Holding and Steve Harmison.



The book is entertaining, warm and I hope inspiring. I did not shy away from bowel cancer. In fact on a number of occasions the subject came up without me having any prior knowledge. I only found out the day before I met Clare Grogan that her husband has suffered from bowel cancer. I suppose this would help explain why some people were happy and keen to come on board and support the book. Some people have a personal connection with bowel cancer. MP Nadine Dorries lost a friend to bowel cancer and I ended up photographing her at Westminster. Author Freya North, who is an ambassador for the charity, lost a close friend to bowel cancer.



Actor Ben Richards has recovered from bowel cancer as has photographer David Levenson. Matthew Wright and Graham Fellows aka John Shuttleworth have both lost parents to bowel cancer.

The book is also full of normal everyday people. They may not be household names, but they all have a story to tell, and make up a vital part of the book. The late Norma de Bidaph at the time was in remission from bowel cancer, Rachel Chadwick author of 60 Postcards, publicans, the local football club, a translator from Brazil, an artist, and many more.

Last but not least the book features a chapter on my Mum, who was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2012, and sadly passed away on August 29th, 2016 after a long four and a half years brave courageous battle. Bowel cancer is the 4th most common cancer, and the 2nd highest cancer killer in the UK. However if detected early it can be successfully treated in over 90% of cases. Much more needs to be done in raising awareness about this awful disease, and to increase early diagnosis rates.

So who can you expect to see in the book...

• Sir Steve Redgrave CBE
• Katherine Grainger CBE
• Phil Parkes
• Mick Channon
• Jonathan Agnew
• Henry Blofeld
• Lorraine Kelly
• Christopher Biggins
• Matthew Wright
• Freya North
• Ben Richards
• Carrie Grant
• Gail Porter
• Alan Davies
• Shaun Keaveny
• Mike Read
• John Shuttleworth
• Tom Rosenathal
• Antonia Mariconda
• Status Quo
• The Stranglers
• The Alarm
• Clare Grogan
• Mikes Hunt& Erica Nockalls
• Horace Panter
• My Mum!

And a whole load more....

So many fascinating experiences all put together in one book. Available in paperback, hardback and digital eBook. There are many ways you can order Lives & Times. Please support this book, as every penny I receive is donated to Beating Bowel Cancer / Bowel Cancer UK, the UK's leading bowel cancer charity. Over £3750 has been raised so far. 

Please check out my www.bowelcancerfundraising.co.uk website where, as well as the book, you can buy art, t-shirts, mugs and also portrait photo sessions.

The Beating Bowel Cancer Fundraising Book

So this is where my fundraising began in November 2012 with the Beating Bowel Cancer Fundraising Book. It was published shortly after her bowel operation, which successfully removed a section of her bowel containing the cancerous tumour. The care and attention mum received at Mount Vernon, Wexham Park and Harefield Hospitals was first class, and it was while mum was undergoing treatment that I decided I wanted to do something to raise funds for a cancer charity and give something back. I came upon Beating Bowel Cancer and have fundraised for them ever since. Their recent merger with Bowel Cancer UK means they are now the UK's leading bowel cancer charity.

It was in April 2012 that the dreaded cancer word came into our family. One minute I was sitting with my mother expecting a normal discharge from hospital, and then in the blink of an eye our world was turned upside down when we were told that mum had bowel cancer. She had been having trouble going to the toilet and was sent to Wexham Park Hospital for an endoscopy, and it was at that point we learned she had bowel cancer. Her treatment involved radiotherapy and chemotherapy to shrink the tumour, before a successful operation to remove it was performed in the September. She made an excellent recovery, although she had an operation to remove a cancerous nodule from her left lung in January 2013, and had to undergo the same operation on her right lung in the March.  For the next 18 months she did really well, but unfortunately in November 2014 we discovered that the cancer had returned to her left lung once again, and she underwent successful surgery in February to remove the nodule. Unfortunately before 2015 was out another nodule had appeared on her left lung, so the decision was taken to remove the lower lob of the left lung in early 2016. Worse was to follow as before any operation could take place, the cancer spread to her brain. She had CyberKnife treatment for that, and then had the lung surgery. Sadly the brain cancer treatment was not successful, and in the summer of 2016 she had a big seizure which paralysed her down one side and putting her back in Wexham Park Hospital. At this point in spite of valiant efforts by the medical team her condition became terminal, and she spent her last 5 weeks at the St. Marks Nursing Home in Maidenhead. She passed away on August 29th, 2016 with the family at her bedside one week after her 80th birthday.

The fundraising experience has been a massive journey of discovery. It soon become obvious just how important it also is to raise awareness about bowel cancer, as well as funds for the charity. Unfortunately running a business on my own imposes restrictions as to what I can do, but the idea of writing a book seemed the perfect solution. I had been a keen amateur photographer for a couple of years, and the idea I had was to write a book featuring photos on various subjects, ideas and technical approaches. Beating Bowel Cancer therefore is a charity book featuring a collection of photographs and the stories behind them to raise funds for the Beating Bowel Cancer /Bowel Cancer UK charity. All proceeds raised are donated to the charity. 

The ebook version on Amazon is £1.99 of which the £1.00 I earn is donated to the charity. It is for the Kindle, but there are freely available Kindle reader apps for Ipads, Iphones and computers. From outside the UK please use Amazon.com to buy the book.

The physical book version is available for £7.21 on Amazon with around £1 going to the charity  and it can also be bought from Create Space for $11.49. I have since added the book to my bowelcancerfundraising.co.uk website selling at £7.00 with each sale raising £2.45 for the charity. 

The original plan was to try and sell 1000 copies, but I would estimate that I have sold around 350 copies so I still have a long way to go! However it has raised over £500 over the years, and it was a brilliant learning curve giving me the confidence to produce the follow up book Lives & Times.