Cervical cancer awareness coffee morning in memory of Sorcha to be held in Derry this Friday

A Derry mother who campaigns tirelessly for cervical smears on demand since the death of her 23-year-old daughter has invited local women to an information coffee morning this Friday.

Sorcha Glenn first visited her GP surgery in June 2013 to ask for an early smear test after being worried about her family history of cervical cancer - but was refused because she was under the age of 25. After experiencing symptoms, Sorcha managed to get a smear test and was sadly diagnosed with cervical cancer in September 2013. After a brave battle against the disease, undergoing rounds of chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment, she died just over a year later in October 2014. Before Sorcha died, she set up a petition calling for any woman to be entitled to a smear test if they ask for one - regardless of age. Following her death, Sorcha’s family and friends set up ‘Team Sorcha’ to campaign for smear tests to be available for any young woman who asks for one. Sorcha’s mother, Christina, has been at the forefront of the campaign. “Smear tests are not just about finding cancer, it’s about prevention and early detection,” she said. “We are not giving up on young women. It’s all about awareness. Women should also be aware that a vaccine for cervical cancer does not prevent you from getting it, it only prevents you against two strains of the disease and there are 14. People are under the assumption it’s a cure and it is not. “As Sorcha used to say, if you can get a bikini wax, why would you not get a smear? It could save your life.” Christina said that they have been in touch with the family of a 25-year-old English woman, Amber Rose Cliff, who died this month after her GP repeatedly refused her requests for smear tests since she was 21. “They are still in shock but we are all on the same path,” she continued. “We want to help other young women so that they and their families don’t have to go through this.” At this Friday’s coffee morning, any donations given will be going to Jamie’s Journie, a cancer charity group set up by Derry teenager, Jamie Harkin, who has battled cancer twice. The group is to support young people with cancer. Team Sorcha has teamed up with Jamie’s Journie and to make Sorcha’s Surprises, an initiative that gives young people living with cancer and their families a chance to get a break away. Christina praised the work young of Jamie and mother, Trisha, at Jamie’s Journie and said she is proud to have such a positive programme in her late daughter’s memory. She said that Sorcha, who had always wanted children of her own, would have been delighted to see something bring such happiness to children in her name. “When cancer comes into your home, it affects everyone in your family,” said Christina. “I’m so delighted to have Sorcha’s name associated with happy things through Sorcha’s Surprises. A child in treatment or remission and their family get something for the whole family. Recently a family went to Lapland and it was amazing. “It’s so nice to have her name associated with something so joyous rather than tears and sadness.” Michelle McLaren of the Pink Ladies cancer support group will also be helping at the coffee morning this Friday and has urged anyone who wants to find out more about cervical cancer or seek support to come along: “The Pink Ladies would encourage all women who haven’t been for a smear to go and get one, book one and keep up on your appointments. It’s a two minute examination that could save your life. “Encourage your mothers, daughters, sisters and friends too, it’s really nothing to worry about.” She also pointed out that the cervical cancer vaccine does not protect you from all forms of cervical cancer and said it is ‘vital’ to go for regular smear tests. She added: “Everyone is welcome to come along on Friday, men, women and children and we would also ask if people could bring along donations of baked goods for the coffee morning. It would be much appreciated.” The Cervical Cancer Awareness Coffee Morning in memory of Sorcha Glenn will take place at the Malron Hotel between 11am and 1pm this Friday, January 27. Everyone is welcome.