On the 28th of March 2007, after feeling unwell for several weeks, I was diagnosed with bowel cancer. Having been extremely healthy during my 42 years on this planet (where my most serious illness suffered had been a sore throat and a cold) this diagnosis came as a complete shock.

Within three weeks, I was admitted to Cheltenham General Hospital where my Consultant - Mr. Neil Borley - together with a skilled and dedicated team of surgeons, nurses and doctors removed a large tumour during a six hour operation.

Over the next six months, I underwent chemotherapy treatment. Just before Christmas 2007, I underwent a second operation to reconnect my bowel.

In February of 2008, I finally returned to work.

Since my diagnosis, I have carried out a lot of research into bowel cancer. Whilst being aware that 1 in 3 of the UK population will suffer from cancer during their lifetime, I was not aware that bowel cancer is regarded as being one of the 'big three' forms of cancer throughout the UK and Europe.

For over twelve months, I was restricted in what I was able to do. Whilst in hospital, lying in bed and unable to walk, I decided that at the earliest opportunity, I would walk the length of the Cotswold Way. At the time it was a dream. Now, the dream is about to come true.

At 8am on Sunday the 29th of June 2008, I will set off on the long distance walking Trail that runs between the market town of Chipping Campden in the north and the city of Bath in the south. The Trail is 102 miles (164 km) long, and runs for most of its length on the Cotswold escarpment.

It is my intention to complete the length of the Trail in six days. I will be walking for between 10 and 12 hours each day, and will spend each night in a tent, pitching wherever I happen to be. I am looking forward to sleeping in a variety of locations.

In addition to fulfilling my original dream of completing the Trail, I am also walking for a number of other reasons. Firstly, I will be collecting sponsorship and donating all monies raised to a charity set up by my Consultant to fund the research and treatment of bowel cancer.

Secondly, I want to raise the profile of bowel cancer with people understanding the importance of getting an early diagnosis.

Finally, I want to prove that it is possible to continue a normal and active life after the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

I would be grateful for any pledges of sponsorship that you can give. You can pledge a donation via this website with the payment being requested by PayPal once I have completed the Trail.

Alternatively, you may prefer to send a cheque made payable to 'Richard Burge' c/o rent:cheltenham, The Forum, Lansdown Road, Cheltenham GL50 2JA.

Please follow my progress on walking the Cotswold Way on this website - I plan on writing a daily blog of my progress.

Kind regards, Richard Burge