Jo Fahy, a 61-year-old mother from Wirral, was recently diagnosed with cancer for the third time after her daughter noticed a mark on her arm. Jo’s journey with cancer began back in 2006 when she was first diagnosed with breast cancer after discovering a lump in her left breast. The news of her diagnosis was a massive shock to Jo, as she underwent surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy to combat the disease.
After receiving hormone therapy for five years and being told she was cancer-free, Jo was devastated to learn that the cancer had returned, this time in her right breast. Following another round of treatment, Jo was back at work after three months. However, the challenges did not end there for Jo, as she tragically lost her brother to bowel cancer around the same time.
In 2022, Jo’s daughter Danielle urged her to get a mark on her arm checked out, which led to the diagnosis of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Jo underwent surgery once again and continues to be regularly monitored. Despite facing cancer for the third time, Jo remains positive and is making the most of every day.
Now in remission, Jo is participating in a neon glowing night-time walking event for Cancer Research UK to raise funds for cancer research. She believes in the importance of supporting research to help more people like her survive. The event, called the Shine Night Walk, will take place in Liverpool on September 6, with participants walking through the city’s streets to raise vital funds for life-saving research.
Last year’s event raised over £100,000 for Cancer Research UK, supporting research projects in Liverpool that aim to improve cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Jo’s participation in the event is not only a personal challenge but also a way to give back and support the fight against cancer.
Cancer Research UK spokesperson for the North West, Jemma Humphreys, emphasized the crucial role that fundraisers like Jo play in advancing cancer research. The funds raised through events like the Shine Night Walk have helped double cancer survival rates in the UK over the last 50 years. Humphreys highlighted the importance of continued support for research to ensure that more people can live longer, better lives free from the fear of cancer.
For those in Merseyside who want to support cancer research, volunteering opportunities are available at the Shine Night Walk. Whether it’s helping set up the course or guiding participants during the event, volunteering provides a chance to contribute to a meaningful cause, meet new people, and learn new skills. By coming together as a community, individuals can make a real difference in the fight against cancer.
Jo’s story serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength of those facing cancer, as well as the importance of ongoing research and support for those affected by the disease. Through events like the Shine Night Walk, individuals can join the fight against cancer and bring hope to many others battling the disease.