Kayleigh's story

In 2019 I was advised to book a smear test. I was 31 years old, a mother and a wife. A full time registered care home manager. I put the smear tests off due to a several reasons, including the fact I was young and appeared to be fit and healthy and then there is the element of being embarrassed. The dread and fear of having to have such an intimate and private test carried out.

I received a few reminder letters and eventually in January 2020 I made and attended the dreaded appointment. At the appointment I was made to feel at ease and advised I would receive the results in a few weeks time. Just a few days later I received a call stating I had to attend a follow up appointment with a gynaecologist who advised I need to have a colposcopy. Another few days passed and it was confirmed that I had cervical cancer.

The options were explained to me and I opted for non-surgical treatment. Over a period of 8 weeks I had treatment.

I tried to stay positive throughout this time but I couldn't help thinking about the what ifs, how could I tell my family, my children. So I made the decision to keep the diagnosis and treatment to myself until I knew how the treatment was going.

After my course of treatment I was thrilled to hear the consultant say the words "treatment was successful" I actually cried that day something which I rarely do.

My life went back to normal fast forward to summer of 2021, I returned for a routine smear test to be told there was evidence of abnormal cells. My heart sank and I began to question if I could go through this again. We were in the middle of COVID lock down at the time and my anxiety was intensified due to this.

I went back to see the consultant who talked me through everything and the options. I agreed to have a non-surgical procedure to attempt to remove the abnormal cells with a view of surgery following this.

The procedure went very well and I was advised that all the abnormal cells were successfully removed. Of course, I was happy with this outcome but felt like I was living my life on the edge constantly worrying that it may come back again.

I focused on my health and fitness while waiting to hear more details regarding the surgery previously discussed. To this day I still have not had the required surgery.

Some time passed and I had a serious talk to myself; I had to stay positive get on with my life without the fear and worry of the what ifs.

That brings me to the present. I want to raise awareness to young ladies and woman and encourage them to attend that 15 minute smear appointment yes it may be embarrassing but that test could save your life.

I signed up to complete a white collar boxing match to raise funds for Ambers Legacy a local charity which works to educate all woman and people with a cervix, on the importance of regular screening, regardless of age, race, gender identity or religion.