In December 2020, my sister, Jess, passed away at 27 years old. She had been ill for 6 months, but her age and gender meant she was seen as low-risk for cancer, and as a result was merely prescribed numerous antibiotics. She was finally diagnosed with cancer on the 26th November, after going to a private specialist to be specifically tested, and her dependency upon oxygen from this date meant she did not leave the hospital or return home.

Adults aged 25-49 contribute around a tenth of all new cancer cases, with double the incidence in females than males. Cancers in this age group are often more aggressive and therefore harder to treat. This means earlier diagnosis is essential.

My mum, Andrea, has spent the last 2 years raising awareness in Jess' name, which has seen her speak directly to the Health Secretary and at parliament multiple times, and she is now setting up the charity: Jessica Brady CEDAR Trust. I'm very proud of her. To help, I am fundraising by running a marathon on 2nd April, and this will be the first time fundraising for this charity.

"Jessica Brady CEDAR Trust (CEDAR stands for Cancer, Early diagnosis, Awareness, Research) has been set up to raise much needed funds to support earlier cancer diagnosis within Primary Care. Currently only 54% of cancers are diagnosed at stage 1 and 2. It is imperative this improves. According to CRUK, if bowel cancer is diagnosed at Stage 1 there is 90% chance of survival, for five years or more following diagnosis, if diagnosed at Stage 4 this is reduced to 10%. The weight of responsibility in achieving earlier diagnosis lies in the hands of General Practice Doctors. This is why Jessica’s Trust will focus their fundraising upon developing awareness and improving earlier diagnosis within GP surgeries. Our aim is to support GPs by providing cancer awareness training to help improve survival rates for all, regardless of age, race, or gender.

It is so important to us that Jessica is remembered and she continues to make a difference. She was passionate about raising awareness. In trying to make sense of what happened to her, we recognise that Jess’ young age was a major stumbling block in achieving an accurate diagnosis. Our unexpected journey with Jess has highlighted the need for more support, funding, and research."