A WOMAN who beat cervical cancer is raising awareness of the value of smear tests.

Laura Flaherty of Hope Street, Leigh was diagnosed with the disease in June 2016 and had a hysterectomy the following month.

She is speaking out during Cervical Cancer Prevention Week.

With a fall in the number of women attending smear tests, which detects cervical cancer, Laura knows many are be put off from going to appointments for multiple reasons.

Women may avoid smear tests due to embarrassment, if they are uncomfortable because they have suffered sexual abuse, if they struggle to get appointments at suitable times or if they have had a bad experience when they have had a smear test in the past.

Mum-of-two Laura, 33, said: “I would not be here without going to a smear test.

“I had an early stage of cervical cancer and had no symptoms.

"My message to women is if you find it difficult to go to a screening speak to a nurse or a friend to find the right support and encouragement for you to attend your test.”

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As part of her campaign work, Laura, a media volunteer at cervical cancer charity Jo’s Trust, is going to Leigh Centurions’ home at Leigh Sports Village today, Tuesday to speak to the club about raising awareness of the importance of smear tests among its female supporters.

Leigh Journal:

Leigh Centurions head coach John Duffy, Laura and strength and conditioning coach Micky Higham

A Leigh Centurions spokesman said “Laura is doing a fantastic job in raising awareness about the importance of attending regular smear tests.

“Leigh Centurions is a club which has a large number of female supporters and we are happy to help Laura’s efforts to bring this issue to their attention.

“We hope that by supporting Laura’s efforts we will get fans talking about Cervical Cancer Prevention Week and the important work she is doing.”

Laura has also had access to the NHS’s Twitter account to share her own story and how cervical cancer has affected her life.

She is also promoting the playful Smear for Smear social media appeal which invites people to share pictures of themselves wearing lipstick.