Tamara M, HBF Run For a Reason

“In 2024, my twin sister Tina was diagnosed with bowel cancer at just 41. Living in Scotland, she faced this terrifying chapter with her three children—and with our parents no longer with us, there was no hesitation: I flew back to be by her side.

What began as a routine operation quickly spiralled into a harrowing ordeal—three surgeries, unexpected complications, and a dangerous bout of sepsis. It was a stark reminder of the risks that often come with medical intervention. But I’m deeply grateful to share that she is now cancer-free and doing her best to heal—albeit slowly, which is tough for someone once so vibrant and active. Her journey has opened my eyes to how profoundly bowel cancer can affect not just individuals, but entire families. You truly don’t grasp the weight of it—until it touches your own.

Witnessing her strength through pain and recovery has given me a newfound reverence for the human body. I even appreciate something as simple as a fart now—especially knowing how crucial it becomes after bowel surgery.

Meanwhile, a gym mate and I had been challenging each other with fun fitness competitions, eventually signing up for the HBF Run for a Reason. The wild part? Tina had registered for the Edinburgh Marathon before her diagnosis—long before I’d even considered running. In an incredible twist of fate, the HBF run landed on the very day she was meant to complete her marathon. She couldn’t run hers, but unknowingly, I ran mine—for both of us.

This experience has been a powerful reminder: bowel cancer doesn’t discriminate. Any age. Any lifestyle. Tina is young, active, healthy—she ticked all the “low-risk” boxes. So please, listen to your body. And if something feels off, don’t wait—get it checked. 💙” ~ Tamara

Thank you to Tamara for sharing her story and for her amazing fundraising efforts, and warmest congratulations on completing the 2025 HBF Run for a Reason — an extraordinary achievement in every sense for her and her sister Tina. Her support is so greatly appreciated and will help us to continue championing what matters most to people impacted by bowel cancer.

If you were inspired by this fundraising activity and would like to support bowel cancer awareness and Bowel Cancer Australia through a sporting event, check out the Get Involved page on our website.