Kapiti teen's bowel cancer fundraiser for dad

AWARENESS: Kapiti College student Emma Mackey, 16, is taking part in a 12k Traverse to help raise funds for bowel cancer.Photo: Cloe Willetts

A Kapiti College student is on the track to help people confront one of New Zealand's most deadly cancers.

With a deep personal understanding of the effects of bowel cancer, year 12 student Emma Mackey has chosen to support New Zealand's Beat Bowel Cancer Aotearoa as part of a social action and implementation-based social studies assignment.

"This is a cause that's close to me and one I want people to be aware of," said Emma, of Paraparaumu, who hopes to raise at least $1000 for the cause.

"My dad was diagnosed with advanced bowel cancer in July 2014 and 10 weeks later, on September, 29, 2014, he sadly passed away."

Bowel cancer, which is the second most diagnosed cancer in New Zealand, takes as many Kiwi lives each year as breast cancer and prostate cancer combined.

According to the organisation, five times as many Kiwis die as a result of bowel cancer than road traffic crashes, with 3000 New Zealanders diagnosed and 1200 dying from the disease each year.

While 75 per cent of bowel cancer is curable if caught early, New Zealand has one of the highest incidences of bowel cancer in the world.

"However, there is no government funding for a full nationwide bowel screening programme," Emma said.

"There is a screening programme but it's for older people, as opposed to those who are younger.

"This is such a shame considering bowel cancer is one of the most treatable and beatable cancers if caught early.

"Sadly though, in many cases it isn't."

Emma said often, people brushed off the fact they had bowel cancer symptoms out of the belief that "it would all be fine".

As part of the project, she was set to participate in a 12k Traverse over Auckland Harbour Bridge, as part of October 30's ASB Auckland Marathon.

"I chose the run over something like a raffle because I wanted a challenge. I wanted something quite big to represent the charity and something that was special for my dad."

She said by donating money towards Beat Bowel Cancer Aotearoa, people would help to gradually reduce the impact of bowel cancer in New Zealand communities through bowel education, awareness and initiatives.

"This project is helping me to not only gain funds for bowel cancer, but a lot of awareness as well."

To make a contribution visit Emma's Everyday Hero page https://aucklandmarathon2016.everydayhero.com/nz/emma-6