Meet the women who beat cancer – and feel stronger than ever

We speak to three inspirational women who have beaten breast, ovarian and cervical cancer about how they refuse to let cancer break them.

kEWsHw_mlXkFK_xc-Cy4e5WHnAKPzanPQ-mnuXRZoYo

by Emily Cope |
Published on

** "My cancer journey helped me find new friends"**

Julia will be taking part in Ride The Night next year
Julia will be taking part in Ride The Night next year

Mum-of-one Julia Tugwell, 44, from Wiltshire, was diagnosed with cervical cancer just days before Christmas 2013 - but says getting cancer helped her make new friends.

After an emotional festive period, Julia received a radical hysterectomy in January 2014 and continued with her cancer treatments throughout the year.

Julia confesses she dodged her smear tests for years, but now uses her experience to educate others about the importance of smear tests.

She says: "I noticed bleeding after sex, which panicked me. I went straight to my GP and was diagnosed with stage two Cervical Cancer. I was devastated.

"Christmas was very emotional, but thankfully my friends and family rallied around me. Then in January 2014 I had a hysterectomy.

"When you get cancer in the 21st century the internet becomes your source of information and support.

"Along my journey I've made some fantastic cancer buddies. We've exchanged messages, hopes, fears, cards, love and support.

"Having cancer was horrific, but I've made friends for life. I was a real smear test dodger, but I'd urge anyone to go to their regular check ups - it could save your life."

"I've been in remission for 24 years - now I want to be a mum"

Julia getting ready for her wedding after beating cancer

As a teen, Julia O'Shea, from Surrey, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and this year she is celebrating being in remission for 24 years.

When Julia, now 41, hadn't started her period like her friends at the age of 16, she decided to pay a visit to the GP.

Sadly, following tests she was told her ovaries were cancerous and she needed a double oophorectomy to remove them both.

Brave Julia went ahead with the surgery, but three months later she noticed lumps protruding from her stomach.

Julia as a teenager

She assumed it was scar tissue, but was devastated when her GP diagnosed her with ovarian cancer and said she had to start chemo days after her 18th birthday.

Now, 24 years later, Julia still lives with the consequences of ovarian cancer and cannot have children naturally with her husband, Joe.** **

But she hasn't let cancer get her down, and her and Joe undergoing IVF treatment.

She says: "Having chemo just days after turning 18 was not what I expected, but I still tried to enjoy every moment of my day to day life - even when I lost all my hair.

"My ovaries were so diseased there was nothing to save, and my surgery made it impossible to conceive naturally, but my husband and I are going through IVF using egg donors now. I'd love to become a mum.

"Six months after my first chemo session I was given the all clear from cancer, and 2016 will mark 24 years in remission.

"I'm proud of how far I've come."

"I refused to let cancer slow me down"

Nadjie with her son Conor and daughter Niamh

Nadjie Butler, 55, from East London, was diagnosed with breast cancer after finding a lump in her breast this February - but says battling the disease made her stronger than ever.

Nadjie - who is married and has two children, Conor, 17, and Niamh, 14 - underwent masectomy and reconstructive surgery, as well as chemo - but refused to let cancer beat her and continued training for a 100k bike ride throughout her treatment.

She says: "Having a family to stay strong for really helped me through the treatments.

"I wanted them to see me carrying on with a 'normal life' so I continued working and kept up my exercise regime.

"So many people thought I was mad planning a 100k bike ride in the last week of a chemotherapy cycle, but that's just me.

"Of course I had my moments when I was feeling down and exhuasted, but I've always had a get up and go attitude and I believe staying positive, fit and healthy can help you fight cancer.

"One thing I want to tell other women going through treatments is not to think it is the end of your life.

"For many there is life after cancer, I feel stronger and fitter than ever."

..............

Amazingly, on Saturday 28th May 2016, these three women will take to the streets of London in the Women V Cancer Ride the Night, which will raise money for Breast Cancer Care, Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust and Ovarian Cancer Action.

To enter the 100k cycle ride visit www.ridethenight.co.uk

Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website, we never allow this to influence product selections - read why you should trust us