A west Cumbrian teacher who credits the NHS bowel screening programme with saving his life is hosting a 12‑hour music marathon to raise funds and awareness.
Justin Bell, assistant headteacher and maths teacher at Netherhall School in Maryport, was diagnosed with changing polyps after completing a routine bowel screening test, a test he says he only did because his wife insisted.
Justin said: “My biopsy showed the 30+mm polyps were changing and didn’t look great. 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 being called for further tests, Justin underwent a colonoscopy and later a TAMIS procedure (specialised keyhole procedure) to remove a remaining polyp. He described the experience as far less daunting than he had feared.
Justin said: “Every staff member at The Cumberland Infirmary were brilliant… there was no pain whatsoever, just a little uncomfortable at times."
Following an anxious wait for results, Justin received the news he was hoping for:
“I got quite emotional, 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 changed his outlook 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,” he said.
He is now urging others to complete their screening kits:
“Anyone who receives the test kit needs to understand it’s quick and simple. 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 is also encouraging people to take part in screening. He said: “The test takes less than a minute and can be lifesaving. 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 31 January, running from 11am to 11pm. He will perform alongside his granddaughter Aoife, long‑time guitar partner Dave Hogg, and a line‑up of local musicians. Proceeds will support NCIC’s Bowel Cancer Screening service. The money is coming to NCIC through the North Cumbria NHS Hospitals Charity.