Three local rugby stars past and present joined an ex-nurse, city councillor, two local kaumatua and a bowel cancer survivor this month to get people talking, and taking action, for their bowel health.
The champions, who come from all walks of southern life, each shared their own personal and moving story in relation to bowel cancer as part of the new promotional campaign.
The campaign aims to encourage more people to take part in the free National Bowel Screening Programme, which is currently being rolled out across the Southern district to people aged 60 – 74.
It includes short but powerful videos about each champion’s story. One of the champions is Highlanders player Tom Franklin, who lost his dad, brother and grandfather to cancer. “Cancer has affected my life massively,” said Tom. “I would encourage people who can do the bowel screening test to get their health checked out. It can save your life and you can be around for your family for a lot longer.”
Tom’s video has already drawn attention, with over 35,000 people taking time to watch the video of his story since it went live in late August.
The videos are set against a mix of iconic locations around the Otago and Southland such as Colac Bay, Karitane beach, Invercargill’s Rugby Park and the Dunedin City Council Chambers.
Invitations to participate in the national bowel screening programme are sent out to people around the time of their birthdays.
You can watch the videos and find out more about the National Bowel Screening Programme at: www.southerndhb.govt.nz
 1737 free text/phone number service (www.1737.org.nz) will connect you to a trained counsellor who can help if you have feelings of anxiety, helplessness or just need to talk to someone. 1737 can be reached from landline or mobile phone, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s designed to meet the needs of anyone who ‘wants to talk.’ |
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