AN inspirational woman from Tadley is taking on a 15km swim after she was diagnosed with cancer.

In July 2021 Rhonda Williams was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and received chemotherapy but after about six weeks she fell more ill.

The 50-year-old received the devastating news that had a bowel cancer tumour and she had surgery in December 2021.

She said: “I was then clear of ovarian cancer but the tumour removal from the bowel, whilst successful, required an ileostomy stoma and a further course of chemotherapy.

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“This all happened during Covid, so there were a lot of restrictions in place but thanks to the support of family, friends and the NHS, I was well supported during my treatment. I consider myself to be very lucky.

"In September 2022 I was declared in remission and have continued to have clear scan results since. Having a stoma is not as bad as I first feared, coping to begin with was hard and there have been some ups and downs on the way but “Winnie” (as she is affectionately known) is now my new normal. I have been on holidays, I swim, I socialise confidently – all things I doubted I would ever be able to do again. Having regular chemo treatment allowed me time to start reading again, a hobby I always loved."

The inspiring lady will now take part in Bowel Cancer UK’s Swim15 fundraising event, which takes place in August and asks people to get sponsored to complete their own swimming challenge that incorporates the number 15. Whether that’s 15 laps a day, swimming for 15 days or racking up 15km throughout the month, each fundraiser can set their own goals that suit their fitness.

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The funds raised will help stop people from dying of bowel cancer by raising awareness of the disease and funding vital services and lifesaving research.

Rhonda added: “I am completing Swim15 in August by swimming 15km. Whilst I enjoy swimming this will be a challenge for me. I will be proud of completing it and for raising money for a worthwhile cause.

"I am also waiting to have surgery to reverse my stoma which will help me improve my fitness. Another member of our family has also just been diagnosed with bowel cancer through the NHS screening programme, so I am keen to raise awareness and highlight how important completing those “poo tests” are.

"I want to spread the word so more people know to seek medical advice if they have the symptoms.”