A CANCER survivor from Corwen has spoken of the important role Cervical Cancer Prevention Week can play in saving a woman's life.

It is now eight years since Ali Alcock, 45, was diagnosed with cervical cancer and went on to endure a five-month battle.

Every year since then, the social worker has set out on a mission and collected over £60,000 for the Macmillan Cancer Support charity which had her back throughout her journey. 

Her fundraising efforts throughout 2022 saw her raise over £21,000 for the charity and she was spurred on further by the death of her beloved cousin, Mark 'Weeksy' Weeks, of Johnstown, who lost his battle with a terminal brain tumour in September 2021.

On what was Cervical Cancer Prevention Week this week (January 23-29), the Leader caught up with Ali to talk about just how important it can be to catch the cancer early.

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Ali said: "In my opinion, cervical cancer prevention week is so important to raise awareness and to plead with ladies to go to their cervical smear tests.

"3,200 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer per year. Cervical cancer does not have to be a death sentence anymore it is curable. I am a prime example of this as an eight-year survivor but it’s all about early detection."

"One in four ladies do not attend their cervical smear test, this could be for many reasons - too busy, embarrassed, it can be a painful process for some, fear, anxiety or just not seeing its importance.

"I can’t stress enough that your cervical smear test can prevent cervical cancer, detect cervical cancer and predominantly save your life. It did for me!

"Cervical cancer does not discriminate it can happen to the young and the old, the rich and the poor it can literally happen to any of us. I had absolutely no symptoms at all, it is known as the silent killer or when you do have symptoms it can mean that it has progressed."

As mentioned before, Ali's fundraising efforts over the years to give back to those who helped her have been nothing short of sensational. 

She has completed a hike up Snowdon, a 'wing walk' and even a skydive among many other things during her amazing fundraising efforts to date.

Talking to the Leader about what's next for her in 2023, she said: "2023 is going to be another epic year as I am getting ready to launch The Big C Part 7 (an annual fundraiser held by Ali).

The Leader:

PIC: Ali Alcock, from Corwen, preparing for her skydive.

"We have raised £61,000 over the first six years for Macmillan Cancer Support - last year was a record breaker raising a massive £21,000. 

"My main challenge is going to be taking on the terrifying and treacherous Crib Coch (A part of Snowdonia), a challenge set to me by my hiking friends. 

"I’m also going to be doing The Big C Part 7 has Talent. This is going to be in four heats; including Corwen, Llangollen, Chirk and Cefn and the winners from each heat will go through to a grand final for an epic prize. 

"I will be busy but I love it. The support I received from Macmillan Cancer Support was truly invaluable from initial diagnosis to all clear and beyond. 

"The day I was diagnosed it was obviously a big shock as like I said I had no symptoms. I did not feel unwell actually I was probably the fittest and healthiest I had been for some years….or so I thought. 

"Jane Evans my lovely Macmillan Nurse was in that appointment. When I first walked in I can remember seeing her there along with the consultant and nurse and I thought 'oh crikey this isn’t good'. 

"She supported me through hearing that devastating news. Jane then stayed in touch and offered for me to contact her even if I just needed to talk. For me, this meant so much as, at times, it can be easier to talk to a stranger than your own family and friends

"Following the all clear, Mcamillan have fully supported all my fundraising efforts. I’m a passionate ambassador, fundraiser and lead volunteer and I support others with their events too and all the money I raise does remain in the North Wales area. 

"From diagnosis, I had a very positive attitude and letting cancer beat me was never an option in my head. My message of hope for those in a similar position would be to say it’s ok to not be ok at times.

"You can never prepare yourself for hearing them words that you have cancer but I do truly believe that positive mindset does help. Accept all the support you can from services, health professionals and family and friends.

"Cervical cancer is treatable and curable especially when detected early so you can beat this and go on to live a full and happy life."