Bowls England is proud to be collaborating with Cancer Research UK for Bowls’ Big Weekend 2025, sponsored by Aviva.
Cancer has affected many within our bowls community, and in many instances, the support of the bowls family has been a lifeline. By working with Cancer Research UK, we are shining a light on how the support of a community can help people who are living through the challenges that cancer brings, whether their own health or supporting loved ones.
“I haven’t held back in trying to keep the cancer to myself. I feel that if it can be of help to anyone else, I want them to know that they are not alone, and Caterham Bowling Club members have been very supportive during my operation and procedures.” – Neil, Caterham Bowling Club Member.
Now in its fifth year, Bowls England’s nationwide open day, Bowls’ Big Weekend, is a way for people to experience the game and meet people within the bowls community. The event sees hundreds of clubs across the country open their doors for free and showcase how friendly and inviting the sport is.
“As a former nurse, looking after many, many people with cancer and their surgeries, did I think I would be diagnosed with bowel cancer. Fortunately, it was caught early, and I didn’t need any follow up treatment. I am now nearly two years post-surgery and cancer free. I was so grateful to be surrounded by such a supportive family and a wonderful community of friends at our local bowling club. Topsham Bowling Club. There was also someone else at the club with bowl cancer at the same time, so we were able to share our experience and support each other. I am also the club treasurer, so it gave me something to focus on. As well as playing bowls through the summer, the club holds many social events which I was able to participate in, which was like a breath of fresh air and brought some normality into my life.
Bowls is a wonderful recreational sport to be a part of – I attended the Bowls England open weekend to try it out and was hooked. Topsham Bowls club is so friendly and welcoming, it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made to join them and would encourage anyone to do the same. When you are faced with a challenging and quite scary situation like cancer, you should not be alone. As well as family, many friends at a bowls club will help you get through the worst of the times.” – Pam, Topsham Bowls Club
If you are a member of a club, make sure yours is signed up to take part in this year’s nationwide event. Club registration closes on 24th March.
If you want to share your experience of cancer and how the bowls community has helped you, follow the link below:
