Cancer survivor is given charity award
A Bentley Heath policeman who has been given the all-clear from bowel cancer has received a national award for his charity work.
Police Investigations Officer Bill Lord, who was diagnosed with the condition in 2008, picked up the Achievement Award from the charity Beating Bowel Cancer.
Fifty-four-year-old Bill, who has been a policeman for 30 years with Warwickshire Police, was given the all-clear last year and now dedicates his time to raising awareness of the disease and supporting Beating Bowel Cancer.
Bill received his award at the charity’s annual Patient Day on Saturday 26th April at the Royal College of Surgeons in London.
The day is dedicated to patients and their families who come together to hear the latest developments in fighting bowel cancer and meet others in similar situations.
Bill’s efforts include volunteering his time for fund-raising street collections, attending a reception at the House of Commons in Westminster, sharing his experience of the disease and growing a beard to raise funds.
Bill said: “I’m humbled to receive this award. I think it’s so important to raise awareness of bowel cancer so more people know what to look out for. After I was given the all-clear I decided that I would devote as much of my free time as I could to tell people about the disease and make them aware of the symptoms.
“I know that if the illness ever came back I can rely on the charity for help because I know how good they are and how much support they give to patients and families.”
Bill first became concerned when he noticed blood in his stools at Christmas time in 2007. When his symptoms persisted, Bill visited his GP. Following further tests, he was diagnosed with bowel cancer and had surgery to remove the tumour followed by chemotherapy.
Bill was nominated for the award by Beating Bowel Cancer’s regional fundraiser in the Midlands, Sajedah Patel. Sajedah said: “Bill is truly up for anything that involves helping the charity; his enthusiasm, vibrancy and commitment to raise awareness of bowel cancer has always shone through.
“Bill’s energy is truly valued and demonstrates how somebody affected with bowel cancer can be so committed to helping and saving the lives of others.”
Read the full story here: http://www.solihullnews.net/news/local-news/bentley-heath-cancer-survivor-given-7108293