Tooting man launches bowel cancer awareness group after beating stage 3 diagnosis

Daniel Edwards, 43, from Tooting, has established a community interest company to make discussions around bowel cancer symptoms less taboo, particularly within LGBTQ+ communities. His initiative, Booty Call CIC, uses creative events to encourage open conversation about a subject often considered embarrassing.

From vague symptoms to a serious diagnosis

For approximately three years, Mr Edwards experienced intermittent bouts of diarrhoea, which he attributed to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), late nights, or even a "dodgy kebab." These symptoms became impossible to ignore in August 2024 when, while DJing on a Brighton Pride float, he feared an embarrassing incident. Shortly after, he also noticed breathlessness. Following a series of tests upon his return to London in late September 2024, including a colonoscopy and CT scan, he was diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer on October 29, 2024. Doctors identified a 10cm tumour that had grown and connected to his duodenum.

His world changed on that day, Mr Edwards told PA Real Life. He underwent immunotherapy from November 2024 to February 2025. This was followed by surgery in March 2025, during which 51 lymph nodes were removed. By April 2025, medical professionals confirmed that no viable cancer remained.

Raising awareness through creative campaigns

Motivated by his experience, Mr Edwards launched Booty Call CIC in summer 2025. The company organises drag and club nights, quizzes, and corporate events. These events aim to destigmatise conversations about bowel cancer symptoms, with information displayed in creative ways, such as on glittery toilet doors. The organisation also uses humour, including raffling celebrity-signed toilet seats and featuring an inflatable colon, dubbed "colonoke," where participants can sing karaoke inside.

Mr Edwards stated that talking about "bums and poo" can be difficult and embarrassing for many, and he believes there is insufficient discussion about cancer within the LGBTQ+ community. His initial event, "Silly Bowel Disco" in July 2025, raised £4,300 for Macmillan and Outpatients, an LGBTQ+ cancer charity.

Looking ahead, Mr Edwards is organising The Booty Call Ball on October 23, 2026, described as a "camp throwback party" featuring celebrity guests, DJs, and a return of the toilet seat raffle. The Cheeky Girls are scheduled to perform at the event.