iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Bowel Research UK @bowelresearchuk.bsky.social · 15h

✈️ Mr Ahsan Javed has completed the first leg of his 2025 Bowel Research UK Travel Fellowship. In his quest to learn more about the applications microbiome and artificial intelligence in the management of rectal cancer, Ahsan visited Professor Phillip Neumann at the Technical University of Munich.

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Bowel Research UK @bowelresearchuk.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

6 days into 50 Miles in October and we've raised £3,375 so far! Our CEO has finished 7/50 Miles. Here, she was joined by Millie & Kaylyn. Millie was born with Hirschsprung's disease and shortly after underwent keyhole surgery. She is now a thriving toddler but must still be carefully monitored.

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Bowel Research UK @bowelresearchuk.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

Beth is helping us raise awareness of life with a stoma today, on #StomaAware Day 2026, which was created by Colostomy UK. 🔄 Please share widely, so that others can learn more about life with a stoma. #SlowTransitConstipation #BowelDisease #InvisibleIllness #ChronicConstipation #SomasUnlocked

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Bowel Research UK @bowelresearchuk.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

📣 50 Miles in October has started! Join us: ow.ly/4E9Y50ZSva3 Today, our CEO Kathryn Pretzel-Shiels walked with new team member Amber, and Beth, who recently left. "Thanks to everyone taking part in 50 Miles in October. Your support makes life-changing research possible." - Kathryn.

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Bowel Research UK @bowelresearchuk.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

'50 Miles in October’ starts tomorrow and there’s still time to sign up! Cover 50 miles by 31 Oct whichever way suits you. ow.ly/Sj4o50ZSY5k Our CEO, Kathryn Pretzel-Shiels, will be walking it and she'll be joined by women connected to bowel cancer & disease.

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Bowel Research UK @bowelresearchuk.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Not sure if you need a will? Try out Octopus Legacy's free tool and get an answer in minutes: ow.ly/opyb50ZSh7q We’ve partnered with Octopus Legacy to give you the chance to write or update your will for FREE today.

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Bowel Research UK @bowelresearchuk.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Wishing Alex the best of luck today in the Berlin Marathon! This will be her fifth marathon! Alex is running for Bowel Research UK because her mum and best friend's brother both live with ulcerative colitis. "I really want more research and more knowledge around their disease."

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Bowel Research UK @bowelresearchuk.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Bowel Research UK is funding a study that will look how active a key cancer-driving process is in different patient samples. Amna Matly & team will then test whether drugs that block this process slow cancer growth. This work could improve patient survival & quality of life. #WorldCancerResearchDay

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Bowel Research UK @bowelresearchuk.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Did you know that you'll be sent a test to look for blood in your poo if you're aged 50-74 (60-74 in Northern Ireland)? It's your choice whether to be screened, but it's the best way to find cancer early. *'No further tests needed,' doesn't completely rule out cancer. ow.ly/sVp350ZQ9Jl

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Bowel Research UK @bowelresearchuk.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

👀 Looking for a new challenge? Sign up for '50 Miles in October' and support life-changing research. 🏃 🚲 🏊 Complete the 50 miles however you like: run, walk, cycle, swim or wheel it. Cover the distance of 50 miles from the 1st to 31st October 2026. Sign up today: ow.ly/ChSS50ZOZUG

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Bowel Research UK @bowelresearchuk.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Charles West's PhD project has properly defined 'empty pelvis syndrome' for the first time. Bowel Research UK partly funded the early stage of this project. Charles and team went on to receive funding from the National Institute of Health and Care Research to continue this work. #CancerResearch

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Bowel Research UK @bowelresearchuk.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

📣 Today is Hirschsprung's Disease Awareness Day and September is Hirschsprung's Awareness Month. Hirschsprung's disease is lifelong, there is currently no cure and more awareness and research into the condition are badly needed. 🔄 Please share widely, so that others can learn about the disease.

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Bowel Research UK @bowelresearchuk.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

"It's 10 years since Dad gained wings after his fight with cancer, which started in the bowel. I'm running the Manchester Marathon for Bowel Research UK in April in his memory. I've never run further than 10K but want my twins to think I can do anything." Sponsor Tasha: ow.ly/bzfL50ZMqpg

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Bowel Research UK @bowelresearchuk.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Lis was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2019, and lives with a stoma. She took up running during her cancer recovery and has since completed several running challenges with her daughter. A gift in your will could help more people like Lis. Write/update your free will: ow.ly/Ckkq50ZHgOy

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Bowel Research UK @bowelresearchuk.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

🤝 We’re partnering with The Good Bowel Company. Here, Dawn introduces their new Food & Symptoms Journal – a practical way to track bowel health and spot patterns over time. 5% of every journal sold will be donated to Bowel Research UK, supporting vital research into bowel diseases. #PaidPartnership

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Reposted by Bowel Research UK

IBDSuperHeroes @ibdsuperheroes.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

On International Day of Charity, help us fund vital #IBDresearch via @bowelresearchuk.bsky.social ! 🧬 Every penny raised by #IBDSuperHeroes is restricted exclusively to #Crohns and #Colitis projects. Support or donate today 👉 tinyurl.com/IBDSHFundraise 💜 #InternationalDayOfCharity

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Bowel Research UK @bowelresearchuk.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Well done to Ahsan Javed, who recently completed the West Lancs Summer 2026 triathlon, raising a fantastic £1,667 for Bowel Research UK. Ahsan described his efforts as "painful but worth it." Ahsan is a Colorectal Surgeon & microbiome researcher. Sponsor him: ow.ly/fl4r50ZJfzQ

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Bowel Research UK @bowelresearchuk.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

📣 If you've recently been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, we need your help. What's involved? - Use the website over up to 4 weeks - Provide feedback on usability/content - Optional online think-aloud interview Register interest: ow.ly/fQ9850ZHnra Guts Charity UK; King's College London

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Bowel Research UK @bowelresearchuk.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

We were delighted to welcome Mr James Kinross as a Bowel Research UK Trustee earlier this year. 🔬 Here, James talks us through his gut microbiome research (supported by early-stage Bowel Research UK funding) and how he hopes it will improve people's lives. Find out more: ow.ly/cJsI50ZG13Y

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Bowel Research UK @bowelresearchuk.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

📣 TRIGGER WARNING; Video may be upsetting. Emma talks about hidden disabilities. "'You don't look disabled,' makes people question themselves. Feel they have to justify their diagnosis. Feel guilty for using accessible facilities. Not every disability is obvious. No-one owes you an explanation."

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Bowel Research UK @bowelresearchuk.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Myth or fact? Bowel cancer is now more common in younger people than older people 👇 . . . MYTH! It's true that bowel cancer rates have risen in those aged 0 to 49, but 95% of all bowel cancer cases are in those aged 50 or over. Know the symptoms & speak to a GP if you're worried, regardless of age.

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Reposted by Bowel Research UK

IBDSuperHeroes @ibdsuperheroes.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Fundraising with #IBD should fit your health needs. We have put together a list of virtual & in-person ideas, from sofa-friendly gaming streams to active challenges! 🍩🧘‍♀️ Find your idea: tinyurl.com/IBDSHFunds Funds support restricted #IBDresearch via @bowelresearchuk.bsky.social #Crohns #Colitis

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Bowel Research UK @bowelresearchuk.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

Best of luck to Ahsan Javed, who is taking on the West Lancashire Summer 2026 Triathlon later today to raise money for Bowel Research UK. Ahsan is also a Bowel Research UK-funded scientist, studying the role of the gut microbiome in bowel cancer treatment. Sponsor Ahsan: ow.ly/VYz850ZzLGL

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Bowel Research UK @bowelresearchuk.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Once diagnosed, medications for BAM are available and dietary changes can also help manage symptoms. Read more: ow.ly/YJBm50ZzvWL #BileAcidMalabsorption #BowelDisease

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Bowel Research UK @bowelresearchuk.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Bile acid malabsorption (BAM) affects 1 in 100 people in the UK, and yet most people have never heard of it. Bile acids break down food as it travels through the bowels and help remove waste products, but when bile acids are not reabsorbed properly, they can cause various problems.

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Bowel Research UK @bowelresearchuk.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

🔬 Bowel Research UK has awarded funding to Prof Pawel Swietach and his team at the University of Oxford. They will be investigating how bowel cancer cells survive acidic conditions and testing possible bowel cancer drugs to see if these slow tumour growth. Find out more: tinyurl.com/2jypj8yu

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Bowel Research UK @bowelresearchuk.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Since her diagnosis, Sasha has tried 6 different medications and been on 5 courses of steroids, but she is now using injections that are working well for her, alongside folic acid, ferrous fumarate and Vitamin B12 boosters.

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Bowel Research UK @bowelresearchuk.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Sasha's stomach problems started in 2016, but it wasn't until 2021 that she was finally diagnosed with Crohn's disease. She wants other young people to know what to look out for and to keep pushing for tests if they're not happy with what their doctors are telling them.

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Bowel Research UK @bowelresearchuk.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

📣 We're helping more of you support our research with a simpler donation form! Give it a try today: tinyurl.com/mrysxtmx With this update, we can better understand what's driving donations and make more informed fundraising decisions.

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Bowel Research UK @bowelresearchuk.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

👋 Meet Alex Fiala, a PhD Student at Sheffield Hallam University. Funded by Bowel Research UK, Alex is using cancer cells from patients to grow tumouroids (mini-tumours) in the lab. She's interested in how these tumouroids respond to treatment. Find out more: ow.ly/GiAi50Zy33A

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Bowel Research UK @bowelresearchuk.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Congrats to Dr Sue Blackwell, who recently completed her PhD studying parastomal hernia (PSH) repair at University of Birmingham. Sue undertook her Bowel Research UK-funded research after her own lived experience of a PSH. Read Sue's patient aid on PSHs: ow.ly/NOf850ZwR20

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Bowel Research UK @bowelresearchuk.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Please share these posts to help us raise awareness of short bowel syndrome 🔄 #ShortBowelSyndromeAwarenessMonth

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Bowel Research UK @bowelresearchuk.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

This month is Short Bowel Syndrome Awareness Month. Have you heard of short bowel syndrome (SBS)? SBS can have a number of different causes and its impact depends on: - How much bowel is missing/non-functioning - Which part of the bowel is missing - Age of the person affected - The cause of SBS

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Bowel Research UK @bowelresearchuk.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

In 2025, Association of Medical Research Charities member charities invested £2.1 billion in UK medical research, supporting 27,000+ researchers. This funding enabled 193,853 people to join in clinical trials, underlining how vital charities are in driving medical breakthroughs & improving care. 🩺

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Bowel Research UK @bowelresearchuk.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

📰 Bowel Research UK has awarded £320,000+ to new research projects for 2026! We're funding 7 early-stage projects, each addressing a gap unanswered for years - a lack of national data, overlooked patient group or biological mechanism just being understood. Follow to hear more about these projects.

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Bowel Research UK @bowelresearchuk.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

🚨 Bowel cancer symptoms you shouldn't ignore. If you experience any of these symptoms for more than 3 weeks, it's crucial that you speak to your GP. Early diagnosis can make a big difference to treatment and survival. Read more: ow.ly/vor250Zuxzp #BowelCancer #BowelCancerSymtpoms

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Bowel Research UK @bowelresearchuk.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

📣 Last chance to apply to join our London Marathon team! With applications closing on Friday, this is your final chance apply to be on Team Bowel Research UK in next year's iconic London Marathon! 🏃 Apply here: ow.ly/xM3N50Zt7RC

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Bowel Research UK @bowelresearchuk.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

Finding bowel cancer early can improve the chances of survival, but how do we encourage Black and ethnic minority groups to send back completed tests? Here, our ambassador Saliha Mahmood Ahmed talks about ways we can make sure everyone makes informed choices. #EthnicMinorityCancerAwarenessMonth

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Bowel Research UK @bowelresearchuk.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

This July, Julie Cornish appeared in 'Word On Health' to talk about pelvic floor health and why women need to know their 'normal'. Here, she discusses bowel symptoms and why it's important to get help early. Bowel Research UK funded Julie's POLARiS study. Full report: ow.ly/XPt350ZrhsQ

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Bowel Research UK @bowelresearchuk.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

🔬 Bowel Research UK has passed the latest Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC) Expert Review Audit! Meeting AMRC's six principles of expert review confirms that we use robust and rigorous research funding processes. This means that your money is funding the highest quality research.

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Bowel Research UK @bowelresearchuk.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

"We need to break the poo taboo to improve awareness and help people get support they need. Talking openly about our digestive health will help make these discussions normal, so those with bowel issues feel less alone. Handing back to Bowel Research UK soon – last chance to ask me any questions. 👇"

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Bowel Research UK @bowelresearchuk.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

"My ‘new normal’ is a huge improvement. I now realise I hadn't acknowledged the full impact low anterior resection syndrome was having on my life until things improved. Most bowel conditions are invisible so people really don't know what we're dealing with. Which is why I love taking about bowels."

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Bowel Research UK @bowelresearchuk.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

"Hey, it's Amanda. It's the last day I take over Bowel Research UK Threads for #LetsTalkGuts. My Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation for erratic bowel movements has helped enormously. I'm now more confident to go out without worrying where the toilet is, so I can get back out into nature."

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Bowel Research UK @bowelresearchuk.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

"I was told that it may not work for me, but I was willing to trial it after trying other things that hadn’t made much difference. I had 14 weekly sessions. Ask me any questions 👇and come back tomorrow to find out if it worked."

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Bowel Research UK @bowelresearchuk.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

"Last year I trialled Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation in the hopes of lessening my erratic bowel episodes. It is a non-invasive treatment that stimulates the sacral nerves that regulate the bowel and increase your ability to put off going for a poo."

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Bowel Research UK @bowelresearchuk.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

"After the surgery I was constantly going to toilet, often multiple times in an hour. This was very distressing and affected my everyday life as I was constantly worried about needing to go to the toilet. I would often limit what I ate in the hopes of less going in, less to come out!"

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Bowel Research UK @bowelresearchuk.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

 "Hi there, it's Amanda again. Let's talk guts! To repair the colovaginal fistual, I had a large part of my colon removed. Unfortunately, this left me with low anterior resection syndrome (LARS). The worst symptom of LARS for me is having an ‘erratic colon’, with urgency and increased frequency."

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Bowel Research UK @bowelresearchuk.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

"A colovaginal fistula – a relatively rare diverticulitis complication (a tract between my colon & vagina poo could leak through). Distressing & unpleasant, I'm still coping with the trauma. I wasn't able to talk about it. We need to break the poo taboo so those with bowel issues feel less alone."

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