Marathon medics supporting Bowel Cancer Guernsey

The team, calling themselves ‘Five Vital Signs’, comprising of paramedics Ross Senior, Steve Domaille, Dom Fletcher, Andy Adam and Dr Mat Dorrian, is taking part in the marathon relay, made up of legs from 4 miles to 6.5 miles, around the 26.2 mile course.

Bowel Cancer Guernsey was chosen as it has special significance because one of their colleagues has personally benefited from the charity’s support. As well as raising vital sponsorship this joint initiative will also help raise awareness of bowel cancer, the symptoms and treatment. The event also highlights the strong collaboration between staff from the ambulance service and the Emergency Department, not only in their daily professional roles but also within the wider community.

Ross Senior said: “Taking part in the Guernsey Marathon as a joint ambulance and Emergency Department team is a great way to demonstrate the close partnership we share in caring for our community. Supporting Bowel Cancer Guernsey is particularly meaningful to us, as we’ve seen first-hand the difference the charity makes to patients and their families. We’re proud to run together for such an important cause.”

Dr Mat Dorian said: “Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in Guernsey, but the good news is if it can be diagnosed in the early stages it can be successfully treated. Bowel Cancer Guernsey has done a great job in raising this awareness and we are pleased to be able to support them to do more in the Bailiwick.”

The team are using the name ‘Five Vital Signs’ to raise awareness of the main symptoms of bowel cancer.

Dr Dorian added: “The symptoms can include a change in bowel habits, which might be loose stools, diarrhoea or constipation; rectal bleeding; unexplained weight loss; extreme unexplained tiredness; persistent abdominal pain or a lump. The symptoms can also be similar to a number of other conditions, so it is important to get yourself checked.”