A Bishopton woman who beat bowel cancer is set to swim 15km later this month to support a cause close to her heart.

Maria Seery was diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer four years ago, which progressed to stage four in 2021.

However, after having two surgeries and chemotherapy, the 60-year-old is currently disease free.

Maria is now set to take part in the Swim15 fundraising event organised by Bowel Cancer UK.

She told The Gazette: "Following my diagnosis, it was important for me to find out as much as I could about the journey which I was about to embark upon.

"Bowel Cancer UK's website had so many resources available, including a forum where people with the same diagnosis as me were able to share their feelings and experiences. 

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"When you're diagnosed, you can feel isolated but the forum helped me speak to people about treatments and also about the emotional impact of cancer. 

"The emotional toll can often be forgotten because the physical treatment takes priority.

"Thanks to treatments which have come about through research, I am currently disease free and trying to reconnect to my life before cancer. 

"I enjoyed swimming before my diagnosis and I want to do something to help others whilst I am in a position to do so. 15k is a milestone which I aspire to achieve."

Maria said research into bowel cancer, which is the fourth most common cancer in the UK, has allowed many new treatments to be developed since her diagnosis in 2019.

She added: "There are treatments which I could now be offered in 2023 to help keep me alive which weren't available in the relatively short time of four years ago. 

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"For someone living with cancer every day, that's a thought that's both scary and comforting."

Luke Squires, director of fundraising at Bowel Cancer UK, said the funds raised by Swim15 will help the charity save lives and improve the quality of life of those affected by the disease.

He added: "We are so grateful to Maria for taking part in Swim15 and really inspired by her for speaking so openly about her diagnosis and treatment. 

"Make a splash this August and join us in helping to create a future where nobody dies of bowel cancer."

For more information about Swim15, visit bowelcanceruk.org.uk/Swim15.