A Hull mum has spoken of her daughter’s bravery in the face of cancer as she fought to spread awareness before her death.
Kath Rogers now wants to continue what Ruby started before she was lost to bowel cancer at the age of just 28. Kath is working alongside Bowel Cancer UK as its Hull roadshow, helping to raise awareness of the disease and its symptoms, heads to the city.
The mum said: “Ruby was the best daughter, sister, fiancée, and friend, and we still cannot believe we’ve lost her. Most people think of bowel cancer as only affecting those who are over 50 but this disease doesn’t discriminate, and it’s so important that everyone knows what signs to look out for.”
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The roadshow will be at various venues in Hull next week, from Tuesday to Thursday, April 16 to 18. It will include a giant inflatable bowel, which visitors are invited to walk through to learn about the stages of bowel cancer.
Talking about losing her daughter, Kath said Ruby began to experience symptoms in October 2022, including abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss and blood in her poo. She went to her GP, but it was assumed she was too young to have cancer and she was misdiagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and colitis.
Kath explained that as Ruby’s symptoms worsened, her fiancé, Vic, would often find her curled up in pain at home, after she’d been sent home from work. On May 9, 2023 Ruby collapsed in pain at work and was brought into A&E, where she was diagnosed with advanced bowel cancer that had spread to her liver.
“I was on holiday when she found out,” Kath said. “She was so calm over the phone when she told me she had bowel cancer.”
Ruby died on August 23, 2023, surrounded by her family. Kath said it was important that Ruby was recognised for her bravery and strength in the face of her cancer. Even during treatment, Ruby posted on social media to help spread awareness of the disease so that fewer people receive a late diagnosis.
Kath wants to continue this message and has committed herself to making more people aware that the disease can affect younger people. Genevieve Edwards, chief executive at Bowel Cancer UK, said: “Ruby was an incredibly inspirational woman and we’re so grateful to Kath for sharing her story to help spread awareness of bowel cancer and its symptoms.
“Through our Hull roadshow we hope to talk to lots of people about the disease, its symptoms, and the importance of taking part in bowel cancer screening. 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 necessary. See you inside!”
The giant inflatable bowel, measuring 19ft by 7ft, is an interactive experience to demonstrate the various stages of bowel cancer, and raise awareness of its symptoms, the importance of taking part in screening and learn about good bowel health. Its visit is a chance for people to ask any questions or share any worries about bowel cancer, whether about themselves, a loved one or friend, to one of Bowel Cancer UK’s friendly and experienced staff and volunteers.
Bowel Cancer UK’s awareness roadshow will be at the following locations:
- Tuesday, April 16 – Outside St Stephen’s Shopping Centre, Ferensway, HU2 8LN, 8.30am to 4pm
- Wednesday, April 17 – Outside Hull City Hall, Queen Victoria Square, HU1 3RQ, 10am to 4pm
- Thursday, April 18 – Outside Morrisons, Holderness Road, HU9 3JA, 10am to 4pm. There will be an additional awareness stand at Asda Superstore, Mount Pleasant, HU9 2BN
Find out more about Bowel Cancer UK’s roadshow via its website. The Bowel Cancer UK’s roadshows are funded by the BowelBabe Fund.
Sarah Carter is a health and wellness expert residing in the UK. With a background in healthcare, she offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being, promoting healthier living for readers.
