Volunteering: Hugh’s experience

Hugh Chown has experienced first-hand the importance of cancer research.

After being diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2020, Hugh agreed to take part in a clinical trial which was investigating the most effective treatment for early-stage bowel cancer.

Now, two years on from his successful treatment, Hugh volunteers in Yorkshire Cancer Research’s Harrogate shop, and wants to help the charity continue to bring world-leading clinical trials to people in the region.

Hugh said: “Cancer treatment has improved so much in the past few decades, and by continuing to raise funds for research, we can help continue to improve survival and treatment methods.”

Hugh first realised something was wrong when he noticed blood in his stool. He contacted his GP and was referred to hospital for tests which showed that he had bowel cancer. He was offered the opportunity to be involved in a clinical trial and decided to take part.

He explained: “I went for an appointment with a bowel surgery consultant, and she explained that the clinical trial meant that I wouldn’t be given surgery to remove the cancer, which is typically how it would be treated, but instead have chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

“My cancer was diagnosed at an early stage, which meant that this type of treatment was possible. It also meant that, if it was successful, I’d avoid surgery which can take time to recover from and affect your lifestyle in the long term.

“I started my treatment in March 2021, and it lasted for five weeks. I was assessed 16 weeks later, and it was determined that the cancer was gone. Now I just have a check-up every six months to monitor my condition, but eventually I’ll be signed off entirely.”

The retired dad-of-two has since turned his attention to volunteering and enjoys being a part of the team at the Yorkshire Cancer Research Harrogate shop.

He said: “I had free time after retiring, and then I saw something on Facebook announcing the opening of the shop and applied to volunteer.

“It’s great fun, I really enjoy it. I speak to all sorts of people and customers are lovely and often want to have a chat.

“I spend a lot of time pricing things and enjoy researching the donations we get. It’s really satisfying if you find something that’s rare or valuable.”

Hugh’s own cancer diagnosis is not his only reason for supporting the charity.

He said: “In 2001, my wife was diagnosed with bowel cancer. It was very advanced when it was diagnosed, and sadly she passed away a year later. It was a really awful time for me and my two daughters.

“I can see how much cancer treatment has improved in the 20 years between my wife’s diagnosis and my own, and I want to help support research that can continue that improvement.”

Yorkshire Cancer Research funds world-leading bowel cancer trials to bring pioneering treatments to people in Yorkshire.

Hundreds of people with bowel cancer will be involved in the multimillion-pound FOxTROT trials, funded by the charity and led by researchers at the University of Leeds, which is investigating whether giving patients a course of chemotherapy before surgery can help improve survival rates.

The charity’s shops, supported by volunteers like Hugh, help raise vital funds to continue funding research like the FOxTROT trials.

Since his diagnosis, Hugh has been keen to make sure that his daughters, and other people, are aware of the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer.

“I’m very conscious of making sure that my daughters are aware of signs and symptoms, as both of their parents have been diagnosed with bowel cancer. But this is something important for everyone. If you notice something that isn’t right, it’s important to get it checked straight away, so it can be found as early as possible.