A large pink inflatable colon is making an appearance in North East Lincolnshire next week to help raise awareness of bowel cancer. 

The giant inflatable is a large scale replica of a human colon that allows people to walk through it and see how the colon works from the inside.  

North East Lincolnshire Care Trust Plus cancer collaborative have been given special permission to use the giant inflatable by Lynn’s Bowel Cancer Campaign Charity, the first time any organisation in the UK has been given access to the colon. 

Bowel cancer is the UK’s second biggest cancer killer after lung cancer, claiming 50 lives every day, however many people are uncomfortable or unfamiliar with the inner workings of their colon. By exploring the giant colon, it is hoped that people might feel a little more at ease speaking about bowel cancer. 

Julie Grimmer, cancer project manager for the Care Trust Plus, said: “Bowel cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death for people in North East Lincolnshire, with males statistically significantly more likely to die from colorectal cancer than females.

“We hope the colon will promote discussion and interest which will encourage people to break down the taboo and embarrassment around talking about bottoms and bowels, helping people to stay clear of bowel cancer.”

The giant colon will be at Diana Princess of Wales Hospital, Grimsby, on Friday, June 11, from 10am onwards and also at a fun day at the Duke of York Gardens (part of Community Engagement Week) on Saturday, June 12, from 12pm-4pm.

For more information about the cancer collaborative please call Julie Grimmer on (01472) 232261 or e-mail julie.grimmer@nelctp.nhs.uk.