Tom Smith was described by Sir Ian McGeechan as “…the finest Scotland player of the professional era”. He played for Scotland and the British & Irish Lions as well as for Northampton and Brive. 

Tom became an Ambassador for 40tude after he was diagnosed with bowel cancer in November 2019. Tom wanted to ensure that others did not have to go through what he and his family went through. 

As an Ambassador, Tom used his profile, especially in the rugby community, to raise awareness of the incidence of bowel cancer and the importance of being aware of the symptoms and to act on any symptoms by visiting a doctor. He was a strong advocate of screening for the disease.

Tom supported several of 40tude’s fund raising challenges. He personally took part in the Wounded Lions 500 Challenge in 2020, cycling the first 20 miles despite being in the middle of a course of chemotherapy at the time.

Sadly Tom died in April 2022, aged 50.

In July 2022, one of 40tude’s long term supporters, Andy Peterson, completed the Tom Smith 4 Points Ride, cycling unaccompanied between the four compass points of the UK Mainland. The total distance was 2,500km. Andy raised over £170,000 that will fund a dedicated research fellowship, named the Tom Smith Research Fellowship, to investigate the genetics of hereditary colon cancer.

If you would like to make a donation to 40tude inspired by Tom you can do so here.

Your donations will be used by 40tude curing colon cancer (registered charity no.1160500) to fund bespoke, ground-breaking research projects targeted at improving the early diagnosis and treatment of colon cancer.  

For more information about colon cancer, the symptoms and how to get screened please click here

For more information about the research 40tude is funding, please see our Projects Funded page

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