West Cumbrian teacher hosts music marathon after NHS bowel screening saves his life

A west Cumbrian teacher who says the NHS bowel screening programme saved his life is hosting a 12-hour music marathon to raise funds and awareness for bowel cancer services.

Justin Bell, assistant headteacher and maths teacher at Netherhall School in Maryport, was diagnosed with changing polyps after completing a routine bowel screening test.

Justin revealed that his wife’s insistence led him to take the test, despite having no symptoms.

"My biopsy showed the 30+mm polyps were changing and didn’t look great," Justin said. "The only way this was detected was through the bowel screening programme. I wasn’t going to do the test as I had no symptoms, but my wife made me do it."

After the test showed further investigation was required, Justin underwent a colonoscopy and later a specialised procedure, called TAMIS, to remove a remaining polyp.

"Every staff member at The Cumberland Infirmary were brilliant... there was no pain whatsoever, just a little uncomfortable at times," he said. Following an anxious wait for test results, Justin received news he was cancer-free.

"I got quite emotional," he said. "The news was great as I am currently cancer-free. If this wasn’t detected, I was told it would have become cancerous. This would have been a totally different outcome."

Justin says the experience has transformed his perspective on life.

"As a result of the testing programme, I’ve been given the chance to continue a normal life. We are only on this planet for a short time, so it’s best to make the most of it," Justin said.

He is encouraging others to complete the simple screening test when they receive one.

"Anyone who receives the test kit needs to understand it’s quick and simple," Justin said. "If people don’t do the test, things may become worse, in some cases, it may be too late. Just do it!"

Consultant endoscopist Mohammed Edilbe echoed Justin’s message.

"The test takes less than a minute and can be lifesaving," he said. "Most people will get a normal result, and even when the test is positive, it is far more common to find polyps that can be removed easily."

To give back, Justin has organised a charity music marathon in Beckermet Reading Rooms on Saturday 31st January 2024, running from 11am to 11pm.

He will be performing alongside his granddaughter Aoife, long-time guitar partner Dave Hogg, and a line-up of local musicians.

The event’s proceeds will support NCIC’s Bowel Cancer Screening service. Donations will be directed to NCIC via the North Cumbria NHS Hospitals Charity.