Budgie Smuggler Run for Tom

THE BUDGIE SMUGGLER RUN IS BACK!!!!!

This one's for Tom... again

The 5th Annual Budgie Smuggler Run will take place on Sunday the 26th of January at our usual location of Virginia Water. Where we will run the 7km route come rain or snow, equipped with only a pair of Budgie smugglers and some running trainers.

This year will be the 2nd year running that we will be dedicating this run to our friend Tom Edmunds.

Tom sadly passed away in October 2024, having been diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer just 11 months prior.

Tom spent several months raising awareness, and with the help of his friends and family an incredible 30k in donations for his chosen charity.

Tom regularly purchased testing kits and distributed them to everyone he could. He campaigned relentlessly to share his message and he did it all with a positive and unwavering spirit.

Tom's ask was and still is small:

Get tested annually or more

Get some life/critical illness insurance

Look out for each other.

Find below just some of Tom's story in his own words.

"From zero signs or symptoms to terminal is heavy hitting enough. Initially in the bowel, metastasising aggressively to the liver and unfortunately then to the peritoneum (stomach lining). Quite an achievement for 3 weeks! Followed by bowel perforation, sepsis, spreads to small intestines. Resulting in paused chemo, advancing liver failure and gallstones. Recommencing chemotherapy to include Avastin and Folfoxiri. Generally the last month or so has been steady, those that have experienced cancer, I would say that this is more getting used to the constant pain! I'd love to say it's complication free but that wouldn't be accurate! Blood clots in the groin and lung (pulmonary embolism) means I've had to take a different approach to life, trying to slow down, take things easy ...hard going for a usually very active person! The 12 week scan has come and gone and shows sign of control, some shrinkage but this, in itself, is risky...

I’ve since experienced a ‘closed loop’ in my bowel and I am now on a liquid only diet. This has hit me, being a complete foody I would say cutting certain foods out, blending what’s left and not being able to be so carefree has finally knocked my mental reserve somewhat! Sod that, eating well and being active and ‘well’ means I’d forgo the occasional bit of steak any day!

Currently maintaining x2 - 3 chambers a week, x3 therapy sessions a week, neuropathy has increased in the last 2 - 3 weeks and now I'm experiencing pins and needles in my finger tips, fronts of legs/shins and feet - Apparently this may be permanent! We're onto x10 chemo and the last 3 at full power, lol! ...happy to hear any advice or stories from those who've been here before. I feel like I'm constantly in the dark about side effects or the knock on from one treatment or another. The docs are cagey even when pushed so please let me know or contact me if you've any insight to any of the items I talk about in my story.

Further information about the situation can be found below!

The fact I regard myself as fit (twice day workout fit), nutritionally savvy (seminar/event and general diet health follower and advocate) and above the average (don’t get me wrong, I also liked to party!) means this should hit home even more so!

Insight (**not a nice read**) - Intentional detail:

My bowel cancer is suggested to have been growing for over 2 yrs, it is that large and obstructive. Apparently it’s a miracle I’ve been passing normally, shown zero blood or diarrhea. Also, there was zero sickness for those curious.

I sparred one Friday, x10 plus rounds with a group of x4 mixed level heavy weights. Post spar I passed out at home, waking with stomach cramps (6/10) …enough discomfort to not train all weekend and via 111 took a trip to my docs (first time in over 4 yrs!). The prognosis at that point was IBS, some medication was prescribed. A week later, symptoms had gotten worse, I’d put a brave face on it for several days before taking myself to A&E on the Wednesday. Blood tests showed at Frimley Park Hospital (FPH) abnormally high infection markers. They wanted to keep me in but I chose to head back Thursday. FPH had already scheduled ultrasound, this was the first time I suspected something more serious than IBS or a lesser potential illness. The demeanour of the doctor during the procedure was far too concerned, repetitive and thorough! After several hours, bloods etc I noted several, more senior doctors hanging around the waiting room. Me being me commented to some others in the waiting room that someone was in for bad news …turns out that someone was me! Said senior doctors called me into a side room and the initial bowel cancer news was handed to me (thank goodness my father was at the end of a call at that time, the ever constant rock in my life). The next 4-5 days is a blur. CT, scans, colonoscopy, biopsy, bloods and what felt like 20 FPH doctors later I was given the news that it had spread. Some complications and details mean I have opted to be under the Royal Surrey, I will work with Dr Essapen MD. A truly amazing oncologist, known for being at the forefront of this field, openness to trials, wider studies and an extremely well respected lady who I have instantly warmed to…if nothing else because she shares my aggressive approach to fighting this. Chemotherapy is initially FolFox, this started last Friday. I will be adding Avastin next infusion (privately as this is unavailable via the NHS). This tri-dose will be my constant for x12 sessions subject to changes / updates. Alongside this, Ollie (my brother), Esme (girlfriend) and I are undertaking holistic therapy and are working with professionals in the form of mindfulness, meditation, grounding work, positivity, light Buddhism, AUM chanting, counselling, nutritional work and welcome any further suggestions. I want some control and these offer me that!

The consequences (personal stuff because you need to hear/read it!):

For me these have been humiliating. From having to tell my children to having what is known as a thrombosed haemorrhoid (we call it Percy ) to having more blood test / cannulae pricks than a seamstresses pin cushion (steady!). The stomach pain is like no other, the javelin that enters my left side and exits out of my right shoulder! To chatting about funerals, the music, my will and power of attorneys! Pulling my pension! Claiming insurances you never want! We won’t go into the involuntary facial spasms nor will we mention the 8 hot water bottles that are an ever constant or did we just… I have lost over 2 stones in less than 2 weeks, muscle mass, physical strength and stamina. I am no longer able to hold my own or out do 98% of people in most disciplines of sport! I am unable to focus, my memory was shocking it’s now worse, ha! Shortness in breath, dizziness, migraines, lack of appetite (limited diet) and we now (family WhatsApp) celebrate bowel movements! I now have a stoma post emergency operation, completely new digestive system, a drain line still healing it was so large due to sepsis!

The above was largely pre-chemotherapy! I will happily chat in person about the impact / effects of chemo. Not here. To add, chemo starts again next week, 4 weeks ahead of schedule, it’s ramped up significantly and will mean hair loss, amongst other things.

I will lighten the mood…those that know me, know I have trained daily, since being 17 yrs old at Spiceball and Fitness2000 in Banbury, Oxfordshire. Always a natural weight lifter, gym guy, someone who was never taken in by steroids and whilst not against others doing so, always pushed back myself. How silly was I? I am on a steady course now for inflammation reduction, pain relief and weight gain and wow….! should have jumped on these years ago!!

There are people who have stepped up during my ordeal. Many unexpected. All will receive my full transparency, honesty and appreciation. Medical staff, professional people who are working with me will not go unnoticed.

To close:

This event (and all others I’ve been blessed to be associated with) is about raising awareness. Alongside some sponsors!

My ask is small:

Get tested annually or more

Get some life/critical illness insurance

Look out for each other - It’s okay to cry.

Thank you, Tom.