THE chief executive of Bowel Cancer UK has left the comforts of her home in Stow to trek into the heart of the Brazilian Chapada Diamantina National Park.

Deborah Alsina is embarking on a personal challenge in September a bid to raise awareness and funds for research to stop bowel cancer and claims early detection is key.

The 12 day challenge which began on Saturday September 26 will stretch her to the limits. While punishing, Mrs Alsina's itinerary will also be breath-taking, including dramatic flat-topped mountains, high waterfalls plunging down cliff-sides, dense forest and grassy plains.

The mother of three said: “This trip is inspired by the many bowel cancer patients I speak to, who show incredible determination and bravery going through their gruelling treatment. I am genuinely moved and humbled by the things people do to support Bowel Cancer UK and so I feel I must also push myself, go out of my comfort zone and in solidarity join them in raising funds so the charity can have even more impact.”

Her mission is also timed to coincide with the recent announcement of Bowel Cancer UK’s move into research, to make a tangible difference for bowel cancer patients.

She said: “Our aim is to become the UK’s leading research and campaigning charity dedicated to stopping bowel cancer for good. Our pledge is bold: to transform survival rates, from only one in every two people surviving over five years, to three out of four people surviving bowel cancer by 2025.

“My intention is that this challenge will bring us a step closer to this goal by raising funds and awareness. We hope to launch our first grants round in 2016 themed around issues related to 'Never Too Young', aimed at improving the diagnosis, treatment and care of younger patients.”

Mrs Alsina is no stranger to fundraising for the charity, having recently climbed the O2 dome, and completed a trek last year on the Great Wall of China, as well as a sky-dive in 2013.

She knows from personal experience how devastating a diagnosis of cancer can be. “I remember all too vividly when my husband was diagnosed with leukaemia and my father’s diagnosis and death from bowel cancer and how cruel and unfair it can feel. It’s amazing how the ‘why’ questions take over – why me, why us, why now? Until you find your way forward. That process taught me that you have to make a choice about whether you are a victim or a survivor.

"Since I joined Bowel Cancer UK seven years ago, around 112,000 people have died because of bowel cancer. To save lives we need to be focused and very determined.”

She has helped raise £30,000 through her charity events and has opened a just giving page at justgiving/deborahalsina4 where donations can be made. Donations can also be made via text message /GUTS68 and the donation amount to 70070.