Challenge - I'm challenging myself to walk 90km throughout June 2023 to raise money for Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust.

My story - I have suffered with a multitude of gynaecological issues for many years - Often suffering in silence and being told what I was experiencing was 'normal'. In June 2022 things were pretty bad and I was feeling very unwell, around this time my routine smear test (cervical screening) was due and I attended straight away as I always did. In July, I was called to the hospital and told I had severe cell changes and needed a colposcopy. At the colposcopy I was told it couldn't go ahead due to complications and I'd have to have an operation under anaesthesia to remove the cells all the while being reassured this was common.

I had the operation in August 2022 and was called back to the hospital a week later and told they had removed a 5cm tumour and it was Cervical Cancer.

Not many people know that after you hear that news, you have a waiting period where you have scans and other tests to allow the consultants to prepare your prognosis and treatment plan. 

For most this wait is 2 weeks, but in my case it was a long 5 weeks of not knowing what stage I was at or if it had spread to other parts of my body before I was officially diagnosed with stage 1B3 cervical cancer and given my treatment plan. 

During this period, I'll admit I did spiral completely.. I did what you’re not supposed to do and stayed up for nights on end googling statistics (please do not do that!) this is when I stumbled across Jo’s. I instantly felt better reading information and testimonials from real people and finally felt a sense of belief that I could be ok and get through it. 

In September I began my treatment plan of chemoradiation which consisted of 6 rounds of chemotherapy, 25 radiotherapy sessions, 4 rounds of brachytherapy and blood transfusions. It truly was the toughest time of my life, physically and mentally.

Subsequently, I have entered surgical menopause and have some nerve damage and other lasting side effects that will forever change me as a person. For someone who was relatively fit and healthy before this, it has been hard to deal with but I continue to receive comfort from Jo’s.

I am ecstatic to share I was given the all clear in March 2023 and will now be checked every 12 weeks for the next few years :) 

For most, 90km doesn’t seem that much but for me and my sore legs, it’s not going to be an easy feat! 

Any donation would be welcomed to show my appreciation for Jo's help during my journey, and to support them with helping others like me in the future.