Young Dunfermline mum marks one year of being cancer-free

Gillian Campbell, 36, will lose her locks in July to raise cash for Maggie’s to celebrate her first year of being cancer-free.

In February last year, she was diagnosed with cervical cancer after tests had been carried out following abnormal smear test results.

After undergoing surgery, she decided she wanted to give something back and help others who are battling the disease.

“I was lucky that it was caught in time and only needed a radical hysterectomy and lymph nodes removed,” she said.

“Not everyone is this lucky. I want to give back and help others who are still fighting their battle by raising as much money as I can.”

Gillian, who is mum to daughter Isla, six, and son Layne, two, said her young family helped get her through her battle.

“Fortunately, I didn’t have to have chemotherapy as my lymph nodes were OK,” she said. “I got my operation on April 9 and my son turned one the month after. They got me through it with their little smiley faces.

“My daughter knew something was not right so we had to give her the basics. We didn’t mention the big cancer word but explained to her that mummy was not well and the doctors had to operate on her and I had to go into hospital. 

“At the moment, I am not too bad. I still have problems with nerve damage but I just have to get on with it. It is a lot better than the alternative.”

Gillian, who lives in the Masterton area, is currently finalising plans for the big shave which is set to take place on July 27 at Max Training Academy in Dunfermline.

“They (Maggie’s) do a lot of amazing things and I thought I would help. We are thinking July and I am trying to contact local businesses to get donations for raffle prizes.

“My hair is about shoulder-length just now – I am nervous about it but apparently it is quite liberating to shave your head. 

“I suppose if it rains, it will mean my hair doesn’t get messed up.”

Anyone wanting to boost Gillian’s fundraising can do so by visiting www.justgiving.com