The late Sorcha Glenn.
The heartbroken sister of inspirational young Derry woman, Sorcha Glenn, who died after a long battle against cervical cancer, is urging the public to support an online petition set up to have the age limit for screening for the disease lowered.
Sorcha died just under two weeks ago after a 13 month battle with the disease – she was aged 23.
In June last year, Sorcha attended her doctor to ask for a smear test, due to a family history of cervical cancer – both her grandmothers had died of the disease.
However, she was advised smears were not routinely done until a woman was 25 and was refused a smear test.
Three months later, she was diagnosed with the disease.
While battling the illness, Sorcha spoke publicly in the hope other women would go for screening.
Following her death, Derry City Council wrote to the Health Minister Health calling for the age limit to be lowered.
However, health chiefs have rejected the call.
Now, a petition has been set up by “Team Sorcha,” the Facebook page leading the campaign of have the age for screening lowered – over 3,000 people have signed already.
In a post on the page, her sister, Orlagh, says Sorcha was “so inspirational, brave and positive” throughout her treatment and illness and continued the whole time to raise awareness of cervical screening in young people.
She adds Sorcha had hoped those who request a smear test be given one “without age discrimination” and the age of screening would be reduced from 25 years old to 18 years old.
Orlagh concludes: “We hope to continue with this legacy. Help us by signing and sharing the petition.”
To sign the petition visit: http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/71455.
To read “Sorcha’s Story” visit the “Team Sorcha” Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/teamsorcha.
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