Stuart reflects on historic double date with FORCE
Former Exeter City footballer Stuart Smith is part of an historic double celebration for FORCE Cancer Charity this year.
Stuart was one of the first people to use the Exeter-based charity’s Support and Information Centre, which celebrates its 20th birthday this autumn.
He is also a regular at FORCE’s flagship fundraiser, The Nello cycle ride, and took part in this year’s record-breaking 25th annual event.
Those two milestones prompted Stuart to reflect on his initial diagnosis, treatment and support from FORCE and the unique nature of The Nello as he tackled the 100-mile route in June.
He was diagnosed with bowel cancer in August 2004 at the age of 32 and like so many others hearing such shocking news, nearly everything else became a blur that day.
Incredible
“I do remember the cold professionalism with which the message was delivered but leaving the small room in which I received this news, the support from the nurses was incredible,” he said.
Stuart was married with two young daughters and telling his family was tough.
“At that stage everyone was devastated, not really knowing the full prognosis, only knowing that the dreaded C word isn’t a good thing to have. Tears flowed, which in some way was good, as until this time I was still a bit shell shocked and not able to release any emotions,” he admits.
His prognosis was good – the cancer was discovered early and the tumour was low grade so his treatment plan involved a course of chemotherapy tablets and radiotherapy followed by surgery.
“It seemed like an eternity before I started my five-week pre-operation treatment cycle. It’s a strange feeling knowing you have something nasty growing inside you but that there doesn’t appear to be a rush to get it out.
Strange
“The chemo/radiotherapy course was a strange period. In the early weeks it felt like nothing was happening. A daily jolly in my lunch hour from work to attend the Radiotherapy Centre was almost completed with a skip and a jump knowing that the Big C was getting a bashing.
“I’d have a laugh with a nurse called Helen; it must’ve been a novelty for a much younger man than normal to be dropping his trousers in Radiotherapy! The latter weeks were a different story and I was glad when that period was over and things settled back down again.
“Luckily for me, the tumour had all but disappeared as a result of the five week blast.”
Stuart had surgery in November 2004 – Operation Big C Removal he called it.
“I don’t remember a great deal about the lead up to the operation, only that if the colostomy bag was fitted to the right, it was temporary, if it was fitted to the left it was permanent.
Benefits
“Naturally when you come round from the operation, you’re in a bit of a daze and I couldn’t remember which way was which!
“There are benefits to both, but I remember at the time I was desperate for it to be on the right and thankfully it was.”
It was a bittersweet time, however.
“Another memory which saddens me is my young girls visiting me in hospital and being scared to come near me. They were very young and all they could comprehend was their dad lying in a bed with wires and tubes everywhere. It couldn’t have been easy for them.”
He had three months of managing a colostomy bag before a second major operation to reconnect a section of intestine with a 10-day stay in hospital.
Supportive
“I had to prove my body was functioning properly first and I can be a tad stubborn. I was literally walking the wards and around Heavitree in an attempt to get things moving again. The day I could prove I was back to normal was such a relief, physically and mentally,” he said.
“I can’t remember exactly when I first visited the FORCE Cancer Centre, but to my knowledge I was one of the first. Everyone was so kind and supportive, willing to help me in any way which they knew how.
“I never made use of the counselling options that FORCE provided, but on reflection and now that I’m older, maybe I should have. I did, however, take the opportunity for some massages. They were amazing and I felt so lucky to be treated so kindly.”
After making a full recovery, Stuart became aware of The Nello, which used to start and finish on Topsham Quay and now has Topsham Rugby Club as its base.
“Since then, I have completed either the longer (100 miles) or shorter (60 miles) ride most years with a great bunch of old work friends. It’s also been my opportunity for an annual catch up with Sarah Daniels, long-time organiser of this event. It feels like we’ve gone through a lot together, with her being with FORCE for most of my association with the charity, and it was a sad moment when she stepped back.
Significant
“However, having gone through my experience with bowel cancer, I can safely say life goes on. It’s great to see the ride has gone from strength to strength and it is now a huge event and an important fundraiser. It’s become a staple event in my calendar each year, even if training for it never seems to start early enough!”
This year’s ride was even more significant for Stuart, who now lives in South Gloucestershire,
“With The Nello’s special anniversary this year and a significant anniversary of my own it feels fitting for me to think about my association with FORCE throughout the years. I’d heard of FORCE prior to being diagnosed, but it was only since suffering from cancer myself that FORCE became a charity close to my heart. 
“Everyone associated with FORCE was so kind and helpful to me during my time of need, and since then I’ve wanted to be able to repay that kindness by challenging myself with regular or different events.
Blessings
Stuart, who has also taken part in the Great West Run for FORCE, completed his latest Nello challenge and admits: “I always have a few thoughts of all the people who haven’t been so lucky in their quest against cancer whilst I’m cycling back along the final straight from Countess Wear roundabout to the finish, often people far too young too; my sister Julia, my work friend Beamer, my football teammate Adam Stansfield and a dear school friend Tracy.
“I count my blessings that I escaped relatively unscathed from it all, probably more mentally scarred than anything.
“Pulling into the nice long finish section I could see my grandson, Stanley, waiting for me with my medal. Slightly coy, he managed to fit the medal over my bike helmet and give me a nice big kiss – well done Grandad!
“The atmosphere at the end of the ride is brilliant, lots of people milling around discussing their experiences having achieved very different individual goals. Those people involved from FORCE who organise the event are to be congratulated on another fine day. This could be a very stressful day, but all I see are smiles from everyone involved – awesome!”
