Phillips Wellbeing has donated £10,000 to Bowel Cancer UK, reinforcing its commitment to supporting people affected by cancer and highlighting the vital role emotional wellbeing plays alongside physical treatment and care.

The donation has been inspired by the courage and resilience of young mum Katie Ruddock, whose experience has helped spark important conversations around awareness, early symptoms and support for younger people affected by bowel cancer.

Katie’s journey also reflects the incredible dedication of the healthcare professionals and support teams who cared for her throughout diagnosis, treatment and recovery.

Cancer is a cause particularly close to the heart of Phillips Wellbeing co-founder Wayne Phillips, whose mother sadly passed away from cancer in 2023. For many families, cancer is not something experienced at a distance. Almost everyone knows someone who has been affected, and the emotional impact can be overwhelming, bringing fear, uncertainty and anxiety alongside physical illness. Phillips Wellbeing believes emotional support is a vital part of helping people navigate that journey and process the trauma that often follows a diagnosis.

Katie was diagnosed with bowel cancer last year at the age of 29, shortly after giving birth to her daughter. Her determination, strength and refusal to be defined by her diagnosis have since inspired a powerful advocacy journey focused on raising awareness, encouraging people to trust their instincts and helping younger patients feel less alone.

Katie is the daughter of Mike Ruddock OBE, former professional Welsh rugby union coach and recipient of an OBE in 2006 for services to rugby. He is the father of three children, including Irish rugby union international Rhys Ruddock, Ciaran Ruddock and Katie Ruddock.

Wayne Phillips, co-founder of Phillips Wellbeing, said: “Cancer affects so many of us, often when we least expect it. Losing my mum in 2023 is something that will always stay with me, and it reinforced just how important emotional support is at every stage of the journey.

“Katie’s story really moved us and reminded us why these conversations matter. This donation is our way of supporting the incredible work Bowel Cancer UK does, while encouraging people to look after their emotional wellbeing as well as their physical health.”

Tracy Phillips, co-founder, Phillips Wellbeing said: “Supporting Katie through such an incredibly difficult period has been a powerful reminder of why these conversations matter. Her experience highlights just how important it is to look at the whole person, not just the physical diagnosis.

“This donation is our way of supporting the vital work Bowel Cancer UK does, while encouraging greater awareness of symptoms and the importance of emotional wellbeing alongside medical care.”

Katie Ruddock said:

“Today marks the beginning of my advocacy journey for young people affected by bowel cancer. I’m incredibly honoured to stand alongside Tracy and Wayne from Phillips Wellbeing as they present a £10,000 donation to Bowel Cancer UK; support that will make a real difference to individuals and families navigating diagnosis and treatment.

“I was diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer in June 2025, just one week before my 30th birthday and six months after having my little girl. Like many others, my diagnosis came later than expected, and it was a second GP visit that ultimately saved my life. Following intensive chemotherapy and major surgery, I now live with a stoma bag, which doctors are hopeful can be reversed. As a young mum, this is a journey you never expect to face.

“I’m passionate about raising awareness of bowel cancer in young people, improving early detection, and supporting the ‘Never Too Young’ campaign. Bowel cancer doesn’t always fit a typical profile, which is why awareness of symptoms at any age matters. Knowing the signs, trusting your body, and speaking up could save a life.”

Former Wales coach Mike Ruddock said:

“Seeing Katie smiling here today truly means the world to me. I am so proud of Katie’s determination to beat cancer, and the resilience she has demonstrated has been incredible to witness.

“As a dad, I am incredibly grateful to the NHS and, in particular, her surgeon, oncologist, GP, and the wider medical team for saving her life. Katie has been through so much in the last eight months. From the shock of her diagnosis soon after becoming a new mum, to undergoing major surgery, dealing with a serious reaction to her initial chemotherapy treatment, and supporting her own daughter when she needed surgery last September; to see her come out the other side with such strength and bravery is incredible.

“We can’t thank Tracy and the team at Phillips Wellbeing enough for the support they’ve given Katie. They helped her process the emotional aftermath of an immensely traumatic experience, and that support has made a real difference.

“My father died of bowel cancer, so I was very aware that Katie had a big battle ahead of her. She was brave, resilient, and incredibly determined, even when things were at their most challenging. Her determination to get better, combined with the amazing skills of her medical team, helped her through.

“Katie’s warrior spirit was evident throughout her treatment, particularly early on when she pushed for further screening after initially being thought to be too young for bowel cancer. Her motivation to tell her story is rooted in her goal to raise awareness that bowel cancer can also affect young people.”

Michael Locke, Wales Fundraising Manager at Bowel Cancer UK, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Phillips Wellbeing for this generous £10,000 donation.

“Support like this helps us continue raising awareness, funding vital services and ensuring more people affected by bowel cancer can access the information and support they need.

“More than 2,200 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer in Wales each year. Early diagnosis can make a life-saving difference: when caught at Stage One, survival rates are high, but if diagnosed at Stage Four, outcomes are far more serious. Sharing real stories like Katie’s is crucial in helping people recognise symptoms sooner and feel less alone.”