Suzanne Fernando, a local woman and cervical cancer survivor from Ardrossan is supporting Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust by organising a Steps for Jo’s in Ayrshire ahead of Cervical Screening Awareness Week (15-21 June 2015). Suzanne, a cervical cancer survivor is calling on others to join her for the fundraising event on 13 June in Eglinton Country Park to raise vital funds for the charity. Step’s for Jo’s is the charity’s new annual 5k walk open to the general public.
Suzanne was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2000 when she gave birth to her youngest daughter Aaron; she underwent radical treatment and has since received the all clear. She now campaigns in her local area for more awareness of cervical cancer and prevention.
Suzanne said: ”Being diagnosed with cervical cancer and having to undergo treatment is an incredibly difficult experience and I want to help make sure as few women as possible are faced with a diagnosis. 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.
“This is the third year I’m organising a walk and previous events have always been a great success with everyone enjoying the day. This year looks to be bigger and better than ever before, with goodies, refreshments, certificates and medals for those who register. Provost Joan Sturgeon will officially start the walk along with members of this year’s Segdoune Royal party coming along to help out, too.”
Robert Music, Chief Executive of Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust said: “We look forward to welcoming the Ayrshire community to this event run by Suzanne. Steps for Jo’s is a great opportunity for all the family to get active and raise vital funds so that the charity can continue to extend its support network across the UK as well as work towards a future where cervical cancer becomes a disease of the past. For those whose lives have been touched by cervical cancer it’s also an opportunity to celebrate those affected and remember the women who have sadly lost their life to the disease.”
For more information or to sign up for Steps for Jo’s in Eglinton Country Park on the Saturday 13th June 2015 go to:
http://www.jostrust.org.uk/get-involved/fundraise/walking/steps-jos