Empty sofas help highlight cancer campaign
Twenty-two empty two-seater sofas took over Sunderland’s Stadium of Light this week to represent the 44 people who lose their lives every day to bowel cancer.
Bowel Cancer UK staged the event to highlight the fact that the disease claims 16,000 lives every year – supported by Sunderland-based home furnishings firm ScS.
The firm has been working with ITV’s Lorraine to raise awareness of bowel cancer and its symptoms, which if caught early enough, can often be cured.
Bowel cancer survivor, Deborah James, presented part of the show live from an ScS sofa at the stadium on Tuesday April 20.
New research reveals that over half of people are unable to identify even the most prominent symptoms of bowel cancer- blood in their stool, abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits.
Bowel Cancer Awareness Month aims to highlight that bowel cancer is often treatable if symptoms are caught early enough.
Genevieve Edwards, chief executive of the charity, said: “Bowel cancer is the UK’s second biggest cancer killer, but it’s treatable and curable, especially when diagnosed and treated early, so it’s essential people know the symptoms to look out for.”
Steve Carson, CEO of ScS, said: “We’re delighted to be able to support Bowel Cancer UK and help raise awareness for such an important cause.
“We wanted to pay respect to those who lose their lives to bowel cancer each year, by showing empty seats in the stadium that is so close to our home in Sunderland.
For more about how to identify the symptoms of bowel cancer, visit https://www.scs.co.uk/lifestyle/how-to-identify-bowel-cancer.html