The lives of 50 people in Craven could be saved every year thanks to a new cancer campaign group.

Statistics show that nationally 30,000 cases of bowel cancer are diagnosed each year and 18,000 of these people die.

It is the second biggest cancer killer after lung cancer and overall less than 40% of people survive five years.

The Craven Clear Cancer Campaign, to be launched in Skipton this month, aims to educate and make people in this area aware of the cancer, and the importance of early diagnosis. The disease can effect people as young as 30 but caught early it can be completely cured. The campaign group will be a joint venture between Airedale NHS Trust and the Rotary Club of Skipton.

The idea was conceived by Brian Ludlam, chairman of Ebor Fabrics in Skipton. Brian, 67, contracted colorectal cancer three years ago, but fortunately thanks to early diagnosis he underwent a successful operation.

Sadly two years later it was found that the cancer had spread to his liver and another operation was necessary.

After a full recovery and through his experience he formed a friendship with his surgeon Raj Kapadia and decided to promote awareness of the cancer and the importance of early diagnosis.

The funds raised from the group will be used to provide clinics at Airedale General Hospital, with the purpose of detecting cancer early.

In 1998 Brian asked the rotary club to sponsor, as its main millennium project, a grand fundraising campaign to assist Airedale NHS trust to establish a screening programme.

A target of £100,000 has been set to be raised before June 2000.

A programme of events is planned during 1999 and 2000 to raise money and spread the message. It is hoped that many local businesses will want to take part. Anybody who would like more information can call the Campaign on 01756 793908.

Steeton's Airedale Hospital is to highlight the awareness of bowel cancer during National Bowel Cancer Week. From April 26 to May 2, a display will be set up outside wards 13 and 14 and also in outpatients.

Lynn Lomas a colproctology nursing practitioner with Airedale NHS Trust is leading the awareness campaign along with colleague Jean Ross, a stoma care nurse.

Hospital. Further advice may be obtained by contacting Lynn Lomas or Jean Ross on 01515 652511.

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