Adele Roberts has accomplished feats many would think impossible after a diagnosis of bowel cancer. Here she reveals her journey, which now includes a place in the Guinness Book of Records
Over the past four years, Adele Roberts has accomplished feats that many would think impossible after being diagnosed with bowel cancer – from becoming the first celebrity to skate with a stoma on Dancing On Ice to winning a Guinness World Record after recently completing the London marathon.
Here, the inspiring and straight-talking radio DJ, 46, speaks exclusively to OK! about her love for partner Kate, which couldn’t be stronger, and why she’s determined to rewrite her memories of Australia after her troubling I’m A Celebrity experience…
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Congratulations Adele! Now you’ve completed the London Marathon, you’re the fastest woman in history to complete six of the major marathons with a stoma. How does it feel?
The overwhelming feeling is relief. It was so hard! Mentally, it was the hardest one to keep going. I also did the Boston Marathon, so I only had six days to prepare. London was the hottest one from the start – and having a stoma, it’s something I have to be mindful of. I’m always dehydrated, so I wasn’t ready for those conditions.
How does it feel to now hold a Guinness World Record?
Until four years ago, I didn’t consider myself a runner. I still feel like a bit of a fraud – like an imposter – so I absolutely can’t believe I’ve completed it. And to get the Guinness World Record, I never thought I’d have one of those in all my life. And I thought if I did, it’d be for putting marshmallows in my mouth or something.
You’ve really embraced your stoma and not let it stop you from doing incredible things…
I think that’s a really important message. Having cancer and a stoma is like a marathon. It’s mentally hard, and if you can try and change your perspective, it helps a lot. I try to show the other side of it, so people know that there’s hope, and that they don’t have to change their life.
How has your partner Kate supported you throughout the years?
Kate gives me belief. She, luckily, was in the room when I found out I had cancer. I went into that room thinking I had IBS. My GP first told me, “You’re probably too young to have bowel cancer, but I’ll send it to test anyway.” That saved my life. So Kate’s been there from the start. She’s the driving force, the reason I have belief, the reason I get out of bed in the morning. When I was really struggling with cancer and chemo and felt like I was dying, I’d just do it for her, knowing she’s my everything. Kate has been so strong, she’s my inspiration. She really loves me, she’s proved it.
Are you planning any more challenges for the future?
During the challenge, they added Sydney to the six major marathons, so I might have to do that now there’s seven. For the Guinness World Record to be correct, I really have to do all seven. And Kate wants me to go to Australia with her. It might be a good thing for me to do, just to reprogramme the whole I’m A Celeb situation. When I was on that show, I was really ill with cancer, and I didn’t know. So it’s almost like, maybe we go there, we get the seventh done, change our relationship with Australia and make it a good memory this time.
What were your early symptoms on I’m A Celebrity?
I couldn’t eat. I remember them being really worried about me. My stomach really hurt – one of the symptoms is a bloated tummy. And finding it hard to digest food, rapid weight loss – but I thought that was because I wasn’t really eating much – and being tired. Every time the sun went down, my body would shut down. You’re so out of your comfort zone and everything bites you in there and you’re uncomfortable, you can’t sleep properly. So we all just thought it was the effect of the jungle. Unfortunately, it was a bit worse than that.
How do you feel you’ve changed since being diagnosed in 2021?
I wouldn’t wish cancer on anyone, but it’s definitely made me a better, more grateful person. I look after my body now, I’m really mindful of my health. I’ve probably never been fitter. But more than anything, once you’ve had that diagnosis, you’re constantly aware that it can come back, so I just take it day by day and try to appreciate every day and live in the moment. I try not to worry about things any more.
What message would you give to anyone finding themselves in a similar position as you were four years ago?
I’d say, if anybody’s worried about symptoms, please go and get seen. I didn’t go as quickly as I should have done. I’ve learned from that. I think if I’d gone quicker, I might not have needed a stoma. Don’t fear the warning signs, fear not getting seen. And please don’t be scared. There’s so much help out there and so many people sharing their stories. And more than anything, I know it’s a really worrying time, but don’t ever let it take your spirit.
Adele is raising money for Cancer Research UK and Attitude Magazine Foundation. Visit justgiving.com/team/adeleandaudreyruntheworld
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