A few years ago, my life seemed perfect. I had just given birth to my third child, a beautiful newborn who brought so much joy into our lives. I had a great job, a lovely house, and I felt I was on the right path in my late 20s. I was living the life I had always dreamed of. Then, out of nowhere, everything changed. I was diagnosed with cervical cancer at 29.  

To say it was a shock would be an understatement. My world, which had felt so secure, was turned upside down. And to make matters even more difficult, I had three young children—one of whom was a newborn—and I was faced with the terrifying reality of undergoing cancer treatment while trying to be there for them. I had to put on a brave face, not just for my children, but for my family and friends, all while navigating the physical and emotional toll that cancer treatment takes on you. 

There were moments when I felt overwhelmed, exhausted, and scared. I couldn’t help but worry about the future—what would happen to my children if I couldn’t get better? How would I manage my treatments, the side effects, and still be the mother they needed me to be? But in those dark times, I also found strength—strength in my family, strength in my resilience, and strength in my decision to keep fighting—not just for myself, but for the future I wanted to share with my children. 

During this time, I became determined to learn everything I could about cervical cancer—the causes, the prevention methods, and how we could tackle this largely preventable disease. There are many complex factors at play, but I remain hopeful that by raising awareness, campaigning, and with the support of my petition, we can play a crucial part in solving this puzzle and helping to prevent cervical cancer in Scotland. 

During this journey, I was introduced to The Eve Appeal, a charity dedicated to gynaecological cancer research and awareness. Their mission resonated deeply with me, and I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work alongside them in advocating for better understanding and prevention of cervical cancer. Perhaps what stands out most to me is the dedicated team behind The Eve Appeal—an extraordinary group of people who are not only deeply knowledgeable but also compassionate, hardworking, and driven to make a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by gynaecological cancers. 

I commend all the work they do, from their helpline to their advocacy efforts, and I am proud to be a part of their mission to ensure no one has to face cervical cancer alone. 

I never imagined where my campaigning would take me. I often said, “I’m just a girl from Uddingston trying to make a difference in a complex but preventable cancer”. In my darkest moments, lying in a hospital bed, I never could have imagined that I would be here. 

There are a few key areas where I believe we can make a significant impact for future generations here in Scotland: 

1. Increased awareness and education: Many people still do not fully understand the importance of cervical screening and the role it plays in preventing cervical cancer. Education campaigns must reach beyond just women of a certain age, ensuring that everyone knows the value of prevention and early detection, and that the conversation about cervical health becomes as normalised as any other aspect of our well-being. 

2. Access to care and support: It’s essential that we ensure timely access to treatment and a comprehensive support system for everyone, regardless of where they live in Scotland. Access to specialists, timely screenings, and follow-up care must be equitable, and no one should face delays because of their location or socio-economic background. 

3. Stigma reduction: The stigma surrounding women’s health needs to be addressed head-on. Conversations about cervical health should be open and non-judgmental, encouraging people to speak up without fear of embarrassment or shame. This is particularly vital for younger people, those from minoritised communities, and individuals who may feel their concerns are being ignored. 

4. Prevention programmes: We need to ensure that vaccination programs for HPV, which is linked to cervical cancer (and some other cancers), reach every young person. The earlier we can prevent infection, the less likely it is that people will develop cervical cancer later in life. 

5. Support for people living with or who have experienced a gynae cancer:  For those affected by a gynae cancer, the emotional and psychological toll does not end with treatment. We must provide ongoing support—both mental and physical—so that survivors can thrive and rebuild their lives after a cancer diagnosis. 

Prevention is key, and I believe that with the right measures in place, we can make cervical cancer a thing of the past here in Scotland.