Congratulations to Jason Katz who ran the Royal Parks Half marathon in under two hours for 40tude on Sunday 9th October 2022. 

"I was introduced to 40tude 5 years ago by its founder, my good friend Gordon Moore," explains Jason. "40tude is a most worthy charity which pioneers cutting edge research in this area and strives to transform the detection and treatment of colon cancer. I am also keen to raise awareness of the need to be screened early.

"Everyone is fairly sheepish about discussing colons, bowels, and everything related to them but he explained that no-one needs to die of colon cancer these days given the opportunities for early detection and treatment. Gordon encouraged me to have a scan aged 43 rather than wait until 60, the age at which the NHS in England was recommending that everyone gets screened. He explained that growths in some people are the most likely cause of colon cancer and can be identified easily and removed before they become problematic. Given the slow rate of growth (about 1mm per year) and the fact that they only become dangerous when they reach 10mm, regular colonoscopies offer a high degree of protection from one of the most common and deadliest forms of cancer.

"I duly added “colon scan” to my to do list and a few weeks later turned up for my scan – and good job I did. Had I not been screened at this early age and been advised that I should ensure I have a scan and removal of early growths regularly, I shudder to think what may have then have developed completely unchecked.

"It's my turn to return the favour and I am using my first half marathon to raise money for this excellent charity which pioneers cutting edge research in this area and strives to transform the detection and treatment of colon cancer. I am also keen to raise awareness of the need to be screened early."

Well done Jason, we're very proud of all that you have achieved through your first ever organised running event!

Jason Katz