Ameena says it so much better.. It’s not too late!
A couple of months ago one of Nikki’s friends wrote to me attaching an article that her 14 year old daughter had written; her message comes across loud and clear, please read on.
Whilst you are reading please remember that if you are under the age of 18 it is not too late! It has been confirmed by the Department of Health that you can visit your GP and have the vaccination for free; please comment below if the message is getting through and your mind has been changed.
If you are over 18 and are interested in the vaccination, we are working on making it more accessible, please comment below.
‘Hi, I’m Ameena, I’m 14 and I go to school in Aldershot.
In year 8 at school we had the opportunity to have a course of injections that would help to prevent cervical cancer. The school showed us a film about the vaccinations and spent some time talking to us about it so that we would understand why the injections were being offered.
They told us that the injections have been created to stop the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and this would hopefully lead to us being free from cervical cancer in the future. It’s estimated that about 400 lives could be saved in the UK every year as a result of vaccinating girls before they get infected with HPV.
None of us really liked the idea of having the injections but there didn’t seem to be a reason not to have them – staying alive seemed a very good reason to go through a little discomfort! So me, and my friends, all decided to go ahead with it after talking to our parents, who all agreed it was a good idea.
On the day of the first injection most people were a little nervous, but there was also a lot of laughter as we tried to wind each other up about the size of the needle J
I can honestly say that the injection did not really hurt, just a tiny little pain for one second – I’ve felt more pain than that in P.E!
We had two more injections spread over six months and at the end we received a card showing the dates that the injections had taken place.
I’ve heard that not all girls who are offered the injection actually have it. I can’t understand why they wouldn’t – we’ve been given the opportunity to have something that could save our life! In our school 90% of girls had the injections, which is way above the average for the South East of England.
If you haven’t had the injection, talk to your family about it. Your school may be able to include you in the next batch of injections or your Doctor may be able to do it for you
If you watched “Restoration Man” you will have seen Nikki Fagg who passed away as a result of cancer. If she had been given the cervical cancer injections she may have still been alive. I never met Nikki, but my Mum says she was a lovely person who would have been very pleased to know that girls were taking advantage of these injections.
Please, please think about it ….. IT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE!’
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I was greatly moved by your story, I am a sufferer myself, being diagnosed at the age of 33, having radical surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy I am still here 9 years down the line, guess I’m one of the lucky ones. I have a 10 year old daughter, no question Rosie will be having the injections. I talk openly about my experience with cancer encouraging all my friends with daughters and my daughters friends to have the injections when offered. I think Nikki’s Trust is wonderful keeping the memory of this special lady, plus spreading such an important message to our daughters.
Jenni x
Having watched restoration man for the second showing and followed the just giving and nickys trust web sites since the first I would just like to express to Peter and all connected to nicky my deepest condolences. She was just an amazing person and I sobbed and sobbed for her and Peter. I wish Pete a happy future with wonderful memories to treasure.
What a strong lady!
When the HPV vaccination was first introduced to 13 year olds I looked into the possibility of recieving it myself, however I was in my early twenties and it was too late. If it was available to us older girls it could save more lives.
Hi Anna,
It’s never too late, there are benefits at any age! However for over 18′s it is pretty pricey and you have to organise the private prescriptions and injections yourself. We are working on making this much simpler and with luck will reduce the cost as well.
Watch this space as we may need everybody’s help to petition and make this happen.
Take care
Pete x x