Wellington Cowboys to host a Bowel Cancer Awareness Day

That is the message Wellington Cowboys coach Justin Toomey-White and Jay Forrester from the Wellington Aboriginal Corporation Heath Service (WACHS) will be spreading this weekend when the football club hosts a Bowel Cancer awareness day.

After being diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2018 at just 26, Justin said it was always in his mind for the Cowboys to join with major sponsor WACHS, to hold a fundraising day.

June is Bowel Cancer Awareness month and the Cowboys v Parkes game this Sunday just so happened to coincide perfectly.

Planning for the event is well underway and Justin said it's shaping to be a really good day.

"We encourage everyone to get down to support the day and support the Cowboys," he said.

As well as events for the kids such as a jumping castles and colouring-in activities, NRL superstars Kotoni Staggs and Braidon Burns will be there as ambassadors.

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All three Cowboys grades will be wearing red socks and the first grade will be wearing special jerseys made specifically for the game in honour of Bowel Cancer Awareness, which will be auctioned off later that evening.

All proceeds from the day and the auction will go towards Bowel Cancer Australia.

According to the organisation, bowel cancer claims the lives of 5375 Australians every year, including 292 people under the age of 50.

Justin said cancer affects everyone, so the more they can shine a light on awareness the better as early detection is vital to survival.

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Symptoms of bowel cancer can include a change in bowel habits, abdominal pain, unexplained anaemia or weight loss.

Justin said he only had one symptom but thankfully acted on it straight away.

"At the end of the day if your mind and body is telling you that something is wrong then definitely I recommend to seek a doctors advice," the now 27-year-old said.

Jay said they want to change the stigma and the awkwardness of talking about bowel health and at WACHS they want to promote a healthy lifestyle.

After almost a year since his diagnosis, Justin said he is felling good and was grateful for the support from WACHS plus the wider football and Wellington community.

The Cowboys coach finished chemo on Tuesday, he will then have a CT scan and blood test next month, which will then be followed by surgery at the end of July.

The 'Never Too Young' Bowel Cancer Awareness day is on June 30 at Kennard Park from 11am.