Jennifer F, Jesmond Lions Club

“Jesmond Lions Club held their annual changeover last Wednesday night. It was conducted by Lion Fran, president of Hunter Wallsend Lions. Guest speaker was Christine from Bowel Cancer Australia / #Never2Young, and a cheque for $10,000 was presented. President Jennifer gave out some awards, firstly a Community Service Award to Amanda from Wallsend Bunnings, Lion of the Year to Phil, and the Harry Hession Award to Brian and Melvin Jones. Progressive awards to Trish and Brian. We are pleased to have some international students paying us a visit. Future Leo-Lions? We hope so.

I am the President of The Lions Club of Jesmond in Newcastle, and at our recent Changeover of Office Bearers Dinner, we donated $10,000 to Bowel Cancer Australia’s #Never2Young campaign. Here is why we made this donation.

In February 2023, my son’s best mate Simon died of bowel cancer. For four years, Simon was misdiagnosed before he received the devastating diagnosis of Stage 4 bowel cancer.

Simon desperately wanted to reach his 40th birthday, but sadly, he didn’t make it. Simon fought so hard but was only 38 when he died. He was way too young. He leaves behind a beautiful wife and son and a mother, Christine, who has lost her only child. Simon’s death touched me greatly, as it did many people. He was a beautiful person. We hope that our donation will assist in raising awareness that bowel cancer can occur at any age, and #Never2Young can assist those young people receiving a diagnosis to navigate their way through their bowel cancer journey.

My brother-in-law, while he is older, was diagnosed a few years ago with bowel cancer following a routine bowel screening. He was successfully treated and given the “all clear” due to being diagnosed and treated early.” ~ Jennifer

Warmest thanks, Jennifer. What a lovely way to honour Simon’s memory and your brother-in-law’s experience.

Head to our website to find out how you too can help make real change happen by raising much-needed funds for Bowel Cancer Australia.