A PORTHMADOG bowel cancer survivor recently attended an event at the House of Commons to help raise the importance of how early diagnosis can increase survival rates.

Dafydd Farr Jones was amongst many other bowel cancer survivors and their families, plus members of parliament, peers and health professionals at the recent Beating Bowel Cancer’s Parliamentary Reception.

The former Ysgol Eifionydd pupil was diagnosed with bowel cancer at just 26-years-old in 2009, and since beating the deadly disease he has raised thousands of pounds for the Beating Bowel Cancer charity to help raise awareness.

Following the reception at the House of Commons, the 32-year-old who now lives in Kent, said: “I was really pleased to attend the event, it gave the charity their chance to share their plans and outline the key policy priorities to improve bowel cancer survival rates.

“I want to help the charity raise awareness in Wales, when I was diagnosed with a low grade tumor in 2009 this charity gave me huge support and ever since I have been an active fundraiser and campaigner for them so I’m keen to help them raise their profile in Wales and raise as much awareness of the disease as possible to help with early diagnosis.”

Dafydd was also joined by Dwyfor Meirionnydd’s MP Liz Saville Roberts who has paid tribute to his charity work.

She said: “I was pleased to join Dafydd at the event in Parliament to raise awareness of bowel cancer.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the work both Dafydd and the charity does to promote awareness of bowel cancer and the support they offer those affected by the disease.

“There are still too many people dying from bowel cancer when we know that it is preventable, treatable and curable, if it is diagnosed early.”

Dafydd, who tragically lost his father in November due to bowel cancer, says he is now determined more than ever to raise awareness surrounding bowel cancer for people of all ages.

On 4 February he will be launching his 2016 eBay auction to coincide with World Cancer Day which will include items such as a handmade satchel, designer books, an original signed sketch of Shaun The Sheep, a Formula 1 signed cap and a VIP trip to watch a Manchester Utd football game at Old Trafford.

The avid fundraiser is also still working on his WannaDream campaign which he launched to give terminally ill people the opportunity to have a dream come true. One of those wishes was granted just before Christmas for a 34-year-old man from Lincoln who wished to take his son to a Manchester Utd football match.

Dafydd said: “I was proud to have helped Scott, who is terminally ill, go to Manchester Utd with his son as a VIP, they enjoyed the free hospitality, watching the game from the comfort of a box and even got to meet a Manchester United legend.

“I hope to help many more people in 2016 make dreams come true.”

To take part in Dafydd’s eBay auction in February or to nominate a special person to make their dreams come true visit www.wannadosomething.co.uk