Slavka is walking Nepal against cervical cancer

LATEST UPDATE: Finally about to make it there - fingers crossed!

As my challenge has been postponed and cancelled due to Covid numerous times, I wasn't able to go as planned - but it looks like it might just happen this year, whoop whoop! I shall be setting off end of October 2022 :)

Thank you to those who have already donated, it's hugely appreciated. Every little helps - so please please donate who ever can and anything you can, it all goes to the amazing Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust...

My story (as written back in 2020):

Supporting Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust and all amazing women out there who have been affected by cervical cancer.

I'm raising money in aid of Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust and every donation will help. Thank you in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.

This time last year, my life had turned upside down. I was sat in the consultant’s office in our local hospital in Colchester when the “c” word got mentioned! I felt like someone just punched my in the face and kicked me in the stomach at the same time. Unable to process my thoughts, I left the hospital with my husband Steve, not quite sure of what is happening to me.

I was going home for Christmas the next day, this was supposed to be the happiest time of the year, instead – I didn’t know if I live to see the next one! Yes, the thoughts did get very dark sometimes.

Xmas has come and gone and I’d managed to get through it with my head half in clouds most of the time. I received my diagnosis early January. I got a call saying – it’s good news! You’ve HAD cancer, but we got it all. I know – mad – two words that don’t quite belong in the same sentence. “Cancer” and “good” news.

Two weeks later, things have changed. Another MDT decided that I needed scans to make sure it’s all out. Unfortunately, it wasn’t. I was still in the “early” stages, but the treatment didn’t finish with my 1st procedure - I was now referred for surgery. I had to process a lot in the coming days and come to terms with some difficult, life changing decisions.

Fast-forward 9 months - I am now after surgery, recovering well, coming to terms with what had happened. 2020 has been unkind. But – here I am; I was very lucky that I didn’t need any further treatment after surgery, having regular hospital check-ups, praying the bastard never comes back. 

I’ve been dealt a crap card, but so many more women out there have been dealt worse. This climb is for you. For all of you who are so brave undergoing treatment, dealing with the emotions after diagnosis, fighting to beat cancer. I’m eternally grateful for Jo’s Trust and its forum, to which I have turned to in the days of darkness and I still turn to for support today. Everyone on there is wonderful. I’m very grateful for my family, friends and work colleagues who stood by me and helped me in every way possible to get through it. And – God bless the NHS! I can’t thank enough to all doctors, consultants, nurses who have cared and still care for me. 

I want to raise awareness of the importance of cervical screening. I want to tell every lady who may be affected by my story, that there is help available. Jo’s Trust offers a lot of information on the subject of cervical cancer, screening, HPV and much more. It provides professional help and advice and the forum, dedicated to people in any way affected, is a place of comfort where you can share the experience and connect with others in a similar situation.

I will be eternally grateful for every donation you can make. I’ll be wearing Jo’s charity T-shirt on my journey through the Himalayas and all proceeds from my GoFundMe page will go to Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust.

Feel free to pass the link to my page to anyone and everyone who could kindly help by donating, or just to read my story.

THANKYOUPLEASE x

More information about Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust: Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust is the only UK charity dedicated to women affected by cervical cancer and cervical abnormalities. We offer information, support and friendship to women of all ages 24 hours a day to ensure they never feel alone on their journey. We provide comprehensive, easy to understand information and also help women get in contact with each other and share stories and tips on how to make it through some of the tough times.