A Knebworth woman who was given the all-clear from cervical cancer just two months ago will be taking on a fundraising walk tomorrow in aid of the charity which was her “lifeline”.

Laura Burlingham will be taking part in Steps for Jo’s, a 5km walk for Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust.

The charity supported the 37-year-old after she was diagnosed with stage 3 cervical cancer in October 2017.

Speaking about that time, Laura said: “Once I had the news of my diagnosis, I was in complete shock.

“I turned to my mum, who came to my appointment with me and was in tears, and said ‘sorry’. I asked, ‘why me? What had I done to deserve this?’”

Laura subsequently underwent gruelling radiotherapy, chemotherapy and brachytherapy, before being given the all-clear two months ago.

She will be taking on the challenge with her friend Francesca who she met through the charity’s online forum.

“I decided to sign up to the 5k walk at Steps for Jo’s because Jo’s was my lifeline throughout my treatment,” said Laura.

“I called their helpline and went on the forum, and now it’s time to give something back. All of my family, friends and work colleagues have got behind me – which is amazing.

“I want to make more women aware of cervical cancer and how it can be prevented, as well as raising lots of money for this incredible charity.”

Robert Music, chief executive of Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, added: “It’s fantastic that Laura found our support services helpful and we’re so grateful that she has decided to take part in Steps for Jo’s.

“It is thanks to the efforts of our amazing fundraisers such as Laura that we’re able to continue to support the thousands of women, family and their friends who are affected every year, and run awareness campaigns to get us closer to achieving our vision of a future where cervical cancer a disease of the past.”

Steps for Jo’s is Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust’s annual event which aims to increase awareness of cervical cancer and how it can be prevented, as well as raising vital funds.

Tomorrow’s walk will be held at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London ahead of the start of Cervical Screening Awareness Week, which runs from Monday until Sunday, June 17. The event also provides the opportunity for those taking part to remember their loved ones that they have lost to the disease.

Laura has smashed her initial fundraising target of £100, having had £550 donated to her online page.

She hopes to raise even more both before and after the walk, so if you would like to donate visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/laura-burlingham7.