A YOUNG woman from Lechlade who was diagnosed with cervical cancer has praised the support she received from a Gloucestershire nurse.

Lechlade resident Sam Armstrong has decided to tell her story to make others aware of the important work teenage and young adult cancer nurses do.

In August 2013, Sam had her first smear test at age 24 and was shocked when she discovered she had abnormal cells showing signs of cervical cancer.

“I was referred to the colposcopy clinic at Cirencester Hospital, where, within two weeks, the abnormal cells had been removed,” said Sam.

“I had a call from a gynaecologist seven to 10 days later and she told me over the phone that the abnormal cells were cancerous and pre-cancerous. It was all a bit of a blur, difficult to take in.”

Sam received help from nurse Megan Willsher, who supports people aged 15 to 25 in Gloucestershire who have been diagnosed with cancer.

Her position is jointly funded by charity Cobalt Health and Gloucestershire Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

“I have always worked with teenagers and young adults in my nursing career and really enjoy the challenges they bring,” said Megan. “I especially admire them for their ‘tell it like it is’ attitude, how positive they always are and how well they cope when faced with such difficult situations.”

Along with a social worker, Megan travelled to meet Sam in Lechlade, where she lived, to offer her support and advice.

“I was offered financial help to cover hospital travel and to compensate for my time off work, which was so helpful too,” added Sam.

“I had a follow-up appointment four months after the surgery and received the all clear. It was a huge weight off my mind.

“I was so grateful to Megan, who had been such a great support through my journey, and of course to Cobalt for funding the important job she does.”