now she's organising a fashion show to help fight the disease

WHEN a routine smear test showed up abnormal cells, Myrtle McCartney decided she wasn't going to take any risks and opted to have a
hysterectomy.

"I didn't have any symptoms and I felt well," she said, "so it shows the importance of attending for regular smear tests because, without one, I could have had cervical cancer and known nothing about it."
Myrtle, who has an eight-year-old daughter, is fully behind the newly launched cervical cancer vaccine which is now available to girls aged 12 and over.

"I am very much on for it," she said. "If there is anything at all which can reduce the risk of cancer it's well worth it.

"My hysterectomy was carried out within three months of my abnormal cells being discovered and I have never looked back. In actual fact, I still insist on attending for regular smear tests."

Myrtle, who works at Okaidi in the Fairhill Centre, has teamed up with her boss Sylvia McCullough to organise a fantastic fashion show to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

Sylvia's mum Mary had reconstructive surgery after being diagnosed with breast cancer so it's a cause close to both their hearts.

Myrtle said: ""I don't think there is a family that hasn't been touched by cancer in some way. Our event is a great way to have fun and help a really important cause."

Sylvia added: "Sadly, everybody knows somebody who has been diagnosed with cancer and we're hoping to raise lots of money at this fashion show to help Cancer Research UK fight the disease."

So, if you have a taste for fashion to come along to the Leighinmohr House Hotel for an evening of entertainment and fun in a bid to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

The fashion show will take place on Thursday 25th September from 7.30pm and those attending will enjoy the latest fashions from the likes of Okaidi, Debenhams, Principles, Edwins and Formal Image.

Sarah Boulger, Area Volunteer Manager for Cancer Research UK said: "Cancer Research UK currently spends over £1.7 million each year in Northern Ireland alone on ground breaking research.

"This vital research would not be possible without the support of people like Myrtle and Sylvia; the companies who are providing their fashion items and individuals who have volunteered to take a turn on the cat walk.

"We are extremely grateful to all of them and to everyone who is generously supporting them."

To buy tickets (£5 for adults and £3 for children) for the fashion show, contact Myrtle McCartney on 028 25631740 or 028 25651145.
You can also get tickets from Principles, Debenhams, Edwins or Formal Image.

To find out more about Cancer Research UK and how you can help please visit www.cancerresearchuk.org.uk or call 08701 60 20 40.