We stand together
as daughters, sisters and mothers.

We hope the journeys on this page can provide some insight, and comfort knowing that you are not alone, whether you are navigating your own journey, supporting someone you love, or honouring the memory of someone you have lost.

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Becky’s story

Becky was diagnosed with stage 1B2 cervical cancer at 36 after experiencing spotting between her periods. Following a radical hysterectomy, she received the news that there was no evidence of cancer, but shares the physical and emotional challenges of recovery and learning to navigate life after diagnosis. She hopes her story will encourage women to seek medical advice when something doesn’t feel right and remind others that being cancer-free doesn’t mean the journey is over.

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David’s story

David lost his mother to ovarian cancer when he was just a young child. Reflecting on her illness, her death and the impact it had on his childhood, David shares how her loss shaped the course of his life and his work supporting others through bereavement. He is passionate about raising awareness of ovarian cancer and helping ensure fewer children experience the loss of a parent to this disease.

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Sunita’s Journey

Sunita was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at just 38, changing her life overnight. She shares her experience of treatment, surgical menopause and living with the long-term impact of cancer, as well as the importance of recognising the symptoms and advocating for your health. As a British South Asian woman, Sunita is also passionate about breaking the silence around gynaecological health, fertility, menopause and cancer within her community.

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SHERYL’S STORY, SHARED BY ASHLEY

Ashley shares the story of her mum, Sheryl, a feisty and independent woman who overcame challenges to become a mother and spent much of her life supporting other women. After Sheryl was diagnosed with endometrial cancer in 2024 and sadly passed away in 2025, Ashley began learning more about the cancer she knew so little about. Now, she is sharing her mum’s story to honour her life, raise awareness of womb cancer and advocate for better education, research and support for women.

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Hannah’s STORY

After more than a decade of womb and period-related symptoms, Hannah was diagnosed with stage 1, grade 1 endometrial cancer at 41. As a mum and carer to two teenagers, she shares her experience of diagnosis, treatment and life following a hysterectomy, and why she is passionate about raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of womb cancer, particularly in premenopausal women.

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Ella’s Journey

Ella was diagnosed with cervical cancer at 25, following her very first cervical screening appointment. After undergoing major surgery to treat her cancer and preserve her fertility, Ella reflects on the physical and emotional impact of her experience and why she is passionate about breaking the silence around women’s health and encouraging others to advocate for their own health.

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Rachel’s Journey

A mum of two daughters, Rachel was diagnosed with stage 4 cervical cancer in 2020 after experiencing persistent irregular bleeding. Following intensive treatment at The Royal Marsden, she is now approaching five years in remission and hopes her story will encourage more open conversations about cervical health, HPV vaccination and early diagnosis.

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Reija’s journey

Reija was diagnosed with womb cancer in March 2019. More than six years on, she is cancer-free and passionate about raising awareness, sharing her journey to help others feel less alone and more informed.

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Helen’s Journey

“I would urge everyone – not just women – men too. If you are not happy and feel something is not right, pursue it. Don’t just accept what you are told, ask questions and do your own research. I would also urge everyone to check out their Vaginas and Penis’. We check our breasts and other body parts. Get your mirrors out and have a good look and a good feel.”

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Katy’s Journey

I was diagnosed with stage one ovarian cancer in January 2021.

I was 46 years of age.

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Emily’s journey

Transferring to the Royal Marsden with a suggestion that “it might be cancer”, I met the phenomenal John Butler. He showed me my scans and I stared at the screen - the tumour was there in black and white, the size of a grapefruit growing in my pelvis and pushing my other organs out the way.

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CLARE’S STORY

After 38 years of persistent, unexplained vulval symptoms and countless misdiagnoses, the last thing Clare expected was a double diagnosis. But when a long-standing tear turned into an ulcer, Clare went on to be diagnosed with both Lichen Sclerosus and vulval cancer at the age of 43.


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Emily’s Journey

I’m taking part in the London to Brighton bike ride next summer and wanted to raise awareness for a charity that’s close to my heart.

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Lorna’s Journey

After being diagnosed with lichen sclerosus in her 30s, the last thing Lorna expected was for it to develop into vulval cancer, despite knowing there was a 5% risk. But when she developed a lump on her inner labia, she went on to be diagnosed with vulval cancer at the age of 44.

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Tia’s journey

Tia was diagnosed with a rare type of ovarian cancer in March 2020, aged just 22 years old. She underwent surgery at Croydon hospital to remove the tumour which weighed 8kg, the equivalent weight of three new-born babies. Now 27 years old, Tia returns to The Royal Marsden regularly (every 3 months) for monitoring and is still cancer free. She lives in London, working as part of the Editorial team at EastEnders’, and is keen to raise awareness of ovarian cancer – especially in young women.

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Leonie’s Journey

After experiencing an extreme amount of pain around her ovaries and abdomen, Leonie booked an appointment with her gynaecologist. Following a routine hysteroscopy and biopsy, she was diagnosed with severe complex atypical hyperplasia with focus of Grade 1 endometrioid adenocarcinomaI cancer.

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Abagail’s Journey

Abagail was diagnosed with stage 2 cervical cancer in 2018 when she was 38 years old. She was referred to The Royal Marsden and underwent chemotherapy and radiation.

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Debbie’s story

"Today, I live a very happy and fulfilled life as a two time cancer survivor and conqueror. My partner Dan and I became grandparents for the very first time on the 7th November 2022. Little Rudo (Rue) is an absolute joy and I feel so grateful to The Royal Marsden for everything they have done for me."

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Lauren’s Journey

“I just want to shout from the rooftops: book your smears, know the signs and symptoms of all 5 gynaecological cancers and most importantly advocate for yourself. Nobody, and I mean nobody, knows your body like you do!”

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Nadia’s Journey

"Symptoms of ovarian cancer are so vague, it’s so important to raise awareness so that people know what to look out for and that this is something which can affect younger people too. Catching ovarian cancer early is so important, as it is for all cancers. Catching cancer early can genuinely save lives."

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share your journey

Whether you’ve had your own experience with gynaecological cancer, or know of someone close to you who has. With your permission, we can share your journey with the rest of our community.

A FEW other WAYS TO GET INVOLVED

We understand times are tough. Money seems to fly away, and unfortunately doesn’t grow on trees.
Donations are very much appreciated, but please don’t forget there are many ways you can make a difference.

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