Paula calls on fellow cancer conquerors to join the cause (From Warrington Guardian)

Paula calls on fellow cancer conquerors to join the cause

A WOMAN who was diagnosed with cervical cancer just a month before her mother discovered she also had the disease, is urging the community to take part in Cancer Research UK's Relay for Life.

Paula Jones, who lives in Wistaston, is urging fellow cancer survivors to take part in the 'lap of honour' which will mark the start of the unique 15-hour Relay for Life this Saturday.

Paula, who has two sisters, was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 1996 at the age of 23, and made the brave decision to undergo a hysterectomy to remove all the cancerous cells.

Although the 33-year-old did not need radiotherapy treatment, she still needs regular check-ups despite looking forward to celebrating a decade of being 'all-clear' next Spring.

She said: "I was absolutely gobsmacked when I was told I had cancer.

"As I was so determined to get rid of all the cancer, I opted for the hysterectomy, but it was a difficult decision to take at the age of 23.

"I was lucky I didn't need radiotherapy. We faced a tough time as a family that year because my mother was also diagnosed with breast cancer just a month later.

"But we are all fine now and helped each other get through it.

"Having cancer has changed my life, my perspective is completely different now and I can appreciate what is important."

This Saturday's Relay for Life at Crewe Vagrants Sports Ground starts at 5pm, and when darkness falls, everyone is invited to join in the Candle of Hope ceremony, in which candles are lit in memory of loved ones.