By Emily Dobson

ABC Gold Coast

Topic: Cancer

Friday, July 3, 2026, at 7:47 am

Rory Esler died from bowel cancer at 35.

Olivia Magnay-Shaw has been running to cope with the grief of losing her partner, Rory Esler.

Rory was 35 when he died from bowel cancer in September 2025.

Olivia said Rory first began experiencing high fevers and severe cramping and noticed blood and mucus in his stool.

Despite raising concerns with doctors, nurses, and specialists, those fears were dismissed.

Rory was told it was likely irritable bowel syndrome and to follow a strict diet.

Olivia and her partner, Rory.

No improvement

But his condition did not improve.

They said, 'No, you don't have bowel cancer, you need to relax.'

Rory persisted and asked for a scan for peace of mind.

After pushing for further investigation, Rory was diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer in June 2024.

Unfortunately, we found it too late.

Olivia says Rory's health concerns were dismissed.

Age bias is common

Bowel Cancer Australia chief executive Julien Wiggins said younger patients are often not taken seriously because of age bias.

Younger patients' symptoms are often dismissed or misdiagnosed, leading to more advanced disease and poorer outcomes.

This weekend, Olivia will join Rory's family and friends in the Gold Coast half marathon, running in his memory.

For her, it is more than a race.

It is a message to young Australians to trust their bodies and keep pushing for answers.

Olivia took up running to cope with the grief.

Record-breaking marathon

A record 43,000 runners will participate in the Gold Coast Marathon festival this weekend.

Events Management Queensland CEO Ben Mannion said demand has been strong, with many people on the waitlist.

Internationally, we've got over 4,100 runners this year from 60 countries.

Organisers have ramped up safety and support measures after water supplies ran short during last year's race.

A record number of runners will participate in the Gold Coast marathon festival this weekend.

The marathon's medical director, Hayley Frieslich, said an Australia-first 'first aid runner' system has been expanded significantly.

Medically trained people will be present along the course to respond quickly to any emergencies.

During Sunday's 42.2-kilometre race, 17 doctors and nurses will be present across the course.

They're also there if you fall over, need a band-aid, or require assistance.

Essentially, we consider them as pace runners, so they'll each be running at a pace.

So, they're there for the fastest, and they're there for those who are tackling their first marathon.

Friday, July 3, 2026, at 7:47 am

Friday, July 3, 2026, at 10:57 am

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