Ardrossan woman Suzanne Fernando has said a “big thank you” to everyone who took part in last week’s five-kilometre walk, raising funds to help combat cervical cancer.
The event – Steps for Jo’s – was held at Eglinton Park on June 13th and was officially started by North Ayrshire Provost Joan Sturgeon. Amongst the women taking part was local MP Patricia Gibson (Cllr Sturgeon and Mrs Gibson are pictured with event organiser Mrs Fernando).
Suzanne, a survivor of cervical cancer who now works with Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust to raise awareness of the illness, told the3towns.today, “It was a truly memorable day, shared by over 150 participants.
“We are now in our fourth year and it was a huge increase on last year’s event. I’m sure it will continue to grow.
“Steps for Jo's is such a great event, where we celebrate life and remember those who have lost their battle with cervical cancer.”
During the 5K walk, Suzanne wore a hand-crafted tutu donated by Kilwinning woman Karen Jeffrey, while the event also received support from B&M store (Stevenston), Sainsbury's (Irvine), Co-op (Kilwinning), April Elizabeth Paige Smith - Strawberry Tarts, Bookers (Irvine), Susan Irvine Bakers (Irvine), Rachel Blades (Rachel's Cakes) and Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust.
Suzanne said, “Organising an annual fundraising walk for Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust is a great opportunity to get the community together while raising funds to run support services for those affected, and help educate the public on why attending cervical screening and having the HPV vaccination is so important.”
Robert Music, Chief Executive of Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, commented, “Steps for Jo’s allows the charity to extend its support network across the UK as well as work towards a future where cervical cancer becomes a disease of the past.
“It’s also an opportunity to celebrate those affected and remember the women who have sadly lost their life to the disease.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wn3pCGRfwCo&feature=youtu.be
