From FIT Test to finish line: Andy’s story

When Andy Robinson lines up for the London Marathon this year, he won’t just be running 26.2 miles - he’ll be running to say thank you. Thank you for the staff and services that were there for him, gratitude for early cancer screening that he feels saved his life and gratitude for the chance to make a difference to people just like him.

A life‑saving test - delivered through the letterbox

Andy was age 54, had no symptoms, felt healthy. He was living life as normal when a bowel cancer screening kit - the Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT Test) arrived in the post.

“I did the quick and easy FIT test the day it turned up… then I got a letter saying the test was positive for blood. I was offered a colonoscopy, but honestly, I thought it was a spurious result. I had no symptoms at all.”

During his colonoscopy in July 2024, Andy was diagnosed with stage one bowel cancer which was caught early because University Hospitals of Derby & Burton NHS Trust (UHDB) were one of the first trusts to lower the screening age from 60 to 50.

Encouraging others: “don’t put it off”

Shocked by the diagnosis but grateful for the early detection, Andy quickly became a passionate advocate for the FIT test.

Andy highlights, “We’ve all done far more intrusive Covid tests. There’s no excuse to delay or bin this one".

Bowel cancer is treatable and curable especially if diagnosed early. Nearly everyone survives bowel cancer if diagnosed at the earliest stage. However, this drops significantly as the disease develops, therefore early diagnosis saves lives. (Source: Bowel Cancer UK)

Andy’s message is simple but powerful:

“Don’t bury your head in the sand. You don’t want to face a tougher diagnosis later.”

Surgery, recovery and the mental marathon

After diagnosis, Andy went through a CT scan and surgery to remove the right side of his bowel and lymph nodes. Because the cancer was caught early, Andy didn’t require chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Before surgery, Andy joined an EPiC prehabilitation programme at Royal Derby Hospital, which trials exercise programmes for patients preparing for cancer surgery. “It gave me something to focus on. A distraction from worrying", said Andy.

The surgery went well and histology confirmed the cancer hadn’t spread.

Physically, Andy healed quickly, but tells us that emotionally, it took longer, “My body recovered, but my mind took time to catch up. Speaking to friends, cancer nurse specialists at Royal Derby Hospital, Macmillan and occupational health really helped”.

Andy is now on a 5-year monitoring plan with regular checks, something he much prefers to the alternative.

A new outlook - and a new bucket list

After surgery, Andy began ticking off his bucket list, starting with a trip to London to take part in the Remembrance Day parade just one month after his operation.

Andy also finally decided to stop postponing dreams like buying another VW campervan, wanting instead to make memories with his wife and two young boys now, not “one day”.

Add running the London Marathon to the list.

Why Andy is running the London Marathon

"Running the London Marathon for Derby & Burton Hospitals Charity is my way of saying thank you and helping ensure others receive the same early care", says Andy.

“Taking that test gave me more life - more time with my family. If I can encourage even one person to return theirs, it will all be worth it”.

As well as supporting our charity, Andy also mentioned, "I want to prove to myself I am getting back to health. Fitness played such a big part of getting my head round diagnosis and healing." 

In fact, Andy joined the Swad Joggers running club in preparation for the London Marathon and has gone on to become a Co-Leader.

Useful websites for further information on bowel cancer and screening

Bowel Cancer UK - What is bowel cancer? | Bowel Cancer UK | Bowel Cancer UK

NHS bowel cancer screening - Bowel cancer screening - NHS