The inspirational Sunderland business woman who has encouraged hundreds of women to go for their smear test

Jamie Lea Church, 34, who runs eyebrow business High Brow on Roker Baths Road, was given the devastating news she had cervical cancer in October last year.

The Fulwell mum had previously had regular smear tests but had left it later than usual to book her latest one.

But after hearing of a client’s test results, Jamie booked he smear test in August 2019 and just three days later was asked to attend Sunderland Royal Hospital.

There, doctors told her they had found abnormalities and needed to perform an immediate ‘Punch Biopsy’ to remove small pieces of tissue from the cervix for testing.

The results came back that Jamie had abnormal cells which were then removed during a LLETZ procedure and sent away for testing.

After a three week wait, on October 23, 2019, Jamie was diagnosed with cervical cancer.

The brave mum then underwent a procedure to cut away some of her cervix to remove the cancerous cells.

Returning to Sunderland Royal Hospital on December 4, Jamie was given the incredible news that the treatment had worked and she was cancer free.

And now she is on a mission to raise awareness of the need to go for a regular smear test.

In December 2019 Jamie shared her story on Facebook was overwhelmed by the response – with her post receiving more than 2,000 likes, over 4,000 shares and more than 800 comments.

In her post she explained what is involved in a smear test in the hope of reducing the stigma around going and reminding women that the small amount of discomfort could end up saving their lives.

Her business cards are even printed with the message: ‘I spend longer doing your brows than the time it takes for a smear test, book yours now.’

Since then Jamie has been continuing to use her social media following and business to raise awareness of the importance of having a smear test, setting up Facebook page Jamie’s Journey.

And now the brave mum has told of how her efforts have resulted in hundreds of women having their test.

Jamie said: “Through sharing my story, hundreds of people have gone for their smear test.

“I have had women sending me their results, a few of which have come back with abnormalities and gone back for treatment.”

Jamie said is ‘emotional’ to think that her story has had an impact and said she is continuing to raise awareness.

She continued: “I am canny proud to think how many people have read my story, imagined it happening to themselves and then booked a smear test.”

Jamie has even been nominated for a Sunderland Echo Best of Wearside Award in recognition of her efforts to raise awareness and save lives.

She has been put forward for a Community Champion accolade, an honour which she called ‘amazing.’

Jamie said: “I can’t believe it has happened, it is just amazing.”

The Best of Wearside Awards 2020

This year’s competition has backing from headline sponsor BGL, partner sponsors Utility Alliance and Gentoo, and category sponsors Marelli and Wearside Audi.How to nominateNow comes your turn to get involved by nominating by March 2.Just send your name, address and telephone number, as well as your email address, if applicable.And remember to include the category that you are putting your nominated cause into.Also, make sure you send the name of the person you wish to nominate, along with their address, telephone number and email (if known).There are three ways to nominate.l Email [email protected] Post to Lynn Wild, North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC), Wearfield Enterprise Park East, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, SR5 2TA.l Visit https://www.bestofwearside.co.uk.The categories :: Community Group of the Year.:: Student of the Year.:: Green Champion of the Year.:: Child of Courage.:: Child of Achievement.:: Young Voice of Wearside.:: Fundraiser of the Year.:: Volunteer of the Year.:: Sporting Achievement of the Year.::Community Champion Award.Once the nomination deadline has passed, judges will meet to draw up the shortlist in each category.Everyone who reaches the shortlist stage will be invited to the grand finale which will be held at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday, April 1.