Hi, I'm Leanne, a stylist at Saks South Shields. I want to share my story and explain why raising awareness and funds for gynaecological charity The Eve Appeal is so important to me.

In 2019, my world turned upside down when I lost my baby girl, Georgie, at 25 weeks. It was only after extensive testing that the reasons why became clear: I had adenomyosis and endometriosis.

This led to years of tests and treatment including laparoscopy surgery to assess the severity of my condition; treatment every two weeks to close off my ovaries, which was both mentally and physically traumatic, and then a total hysterectomy (with ovary preservation because of my age) in 2023.

If there had been more awareness and tests when I was younger, I believe I wouldn’t have lost my baby girl. It’s taken me a long time to get to this stage and I hope that doing something so positive, in memory of Georgie, will mean fewer women will have to go through what I did.

SO, THAT LEADS TO MY BIG CHALLENGE!

If you know me, you‘ll know I can’t stand very cold water – even the thought of it. So that’s why I’ve decided to overcome my fear by saying I’ll take a proper dip in the North Sea. If you’d like donate a small amount we would be over the moon. And if you want to see the ‘no pain no gain’ bit, we’ll be at South Shields beach at 8.30 am on 25 May 2025. A L L W E L C O M E !

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Your support means everything. Love Leanne and Saks South Shields xx

ABOUT OUR NATIONAL CHARITY PARTNER

The Eve Appeal is the only national charity dedicated to raising awareness and funding research for the prevention and earlier diagnosis of all five gynaecological cancers – womb, ovarian, cervical, vulval and vaginal. Their ambition? A world where fewer are diagnosed with and many more survive gynaecological cancers.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.