WHEN a bowel cancer home testing kit dropped through a Flintshire man's letterbox, he completed the test and didn’t give it a second thought.

John Keryakoplis, a dad and grandfather-of-two had no symptoms and wasn’t worried that anything could be wrong.

A few weeks later, he was told the test had detected some abnormalities and he would need a colonoscopy to investigate further.

He returned the NHS test in January 2020 and had a colonoscopy in March 2020.

John, from Penyffordd, was then told he had stage one rectal cancer.

The pharmacy worker said: “It didn’t feel great to be told I had cancer. But I was very reassured as the specialist said it was in its early stages and was very treatable.”

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John, 67, had a week’s short blast of radiotherapy in May 2020 to stop further growth before undergoing surgery in November 2021 to remove the tumour.

He also had a temporary stoma which was reversed in October 2022.

Keen swimmer, John, didn’t let his diagnosis stop him from enjoying his favourite hobby and he even swam with his stoma, he nicknamed ‘George’.

“I wore special swimming shorts with a waterproof pouch and looked like Simon Cowell as the shorts were pulled up so high to cover the stoma,” said John.

“The stoma was called George after my dad. George the stoma even came with me to Menorca and Majorca last year,” said John.

Now cancer free, and enjoying his swimming three times a week, John is urging people across Wales to take the plunge and sign up for Swimathon 2023.

John will swim 2.5k in May at his gym Total Fitness in Wrexham to raise money for Cancer Research UK and the end of life charity Marie Curie.

He’s urging others to make a splash too by taking part in the world’s largest annual fundraising swim for the two much-loved causes.

Swimathon takes place from 12 -14 May at pools and venues across Wales and the UK. With a variety of distances available - from 400m up to 30.9k - the sponsored event offers a challenge for swimmers young and old, new and experienced.

John said: “If it wasn’t for the home testing kit, I wouldn’t have known I had cancer. I tell all my friends to take the test and they’ve listened. We know men in particular aren’t as good at talking about these things but it’s really important to raise awareness and I hope by sharing my story, people will take the test as it’s so quick and simple to do and it could save your life.

“I really enjoy swimming and it definitely helps my physical and mental wellbeing. Getting in the water and exercising is a great feeling and I’m looking forward to taking part in the Swimathon event.

“I’m so grateful for the treatment that saved my life and to all the medical staff who helped me recover. My experience means I understand all too clearly why events such as Swimathon are so crucial to help fund the work of charities like Cancer Research UK and Marie Curie, which rely on our support.”