A FARMER'S wife from Peeblesshire is proof that bowel screening tests save lives.

Janet Burke from Carlops was diagnosed with cancer after taking a routine through-the-post test.

And now Janet, who has been married to George for 48 years, is encouraging other over 50s who receive the test to send it back with samples.

She said: "When the bowel cancer screening test came through, I did wonder if I should take that test as I was feeling fit and healthy, and had no symptoms.

"Soon after I had sent it off, I received a letter from the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh to say they’ve noticed some abnormalities and that I needed further tests.

“It wasn’t good news, as the hospital said I had a small tumour at the base of my bowel.

"This was removed together with my bowel, then followed a six month course of chemotherapy tablets as a precaution of the disease spreading.

"I’m so glad I took the test now.

"I would like to say a massive thank you to all the wonderful people that helped save my life and to the fantastic staff at the hospital."

Following Janet's treatment her entire family got behind a fundraising campaign for the Bowel Cancer UK charity.

Janet and George along with their son Graham and daughter-in-law Fiona, grandchildren Rachel and Robbie, daughter Jane Robertson and son-in-law Tom organised a race night and an auction held in West Linton Bowling Club.

A further auction at Coupar Angus, conducted by Graham Burke of Pentland Livestock, and a grand raffle kindly drawn in West Linton Bowling Club by the 2016 Whipman and Lass, Gary and Louise Ross, helped boost the fundraising total further.

Last week Janet and her family handed over a cheque to the Scotland office of Bowel Cancer UK for £13,500.

Janet added: "A huge thanks must go to everyone who either donated or bought items and supported us at any of the events.

"The final total of £13,500 also included some very generous cash donations.

"We wanted to do something amazing for other people going through bowel cancer, and decided to raise money for Bowel Cancer UK.

"All money raised will go towards their work in Scotland”

Every year, over 41,200 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer and more than 15,900 people die of the disease.

Bowel Cancer UK is determined to save lives and improve the quality of life for all those affected by bowel cancer.

Sarah Weber from Bowel Cancer UK said “Without people like the Burke family doing amazing fundraising events like this, Bowel Cancer UK couldn’t continue to do vital life-saving work and improve the quality of life for all those affected by bowel cancer."