Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust is a leading UK charity in cervical cancer prevention (Picture: Getty Images Europe/Jen Jack)
A major cancer charity that has long been a lifeline for countless Britons has shut down, citing ‘insurmountable’ financial challenges.
Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, a national charity dedicated to eliminating cervical cancer, was founded in 2000 by James Maxwell.
The businessman’s wife, Jo, died aged 40 from cervical cancer.
Soon enough, Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust became a regular presence in GP surgeries, hospital wards, salons and living rooms as the charity raised awareness of the disease.
From launching vaccination schemes for human papillomavirus, or HPV, to encouraging people to get cervical screenings, the trust says it helped thousands of people in the last 24 years.
But in a statement today, the charity said: ‘It is with great sadness that we must announce the closure of Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, effective immediately.
‘For over two decades, our organisation has been at the forefront of cervical cancer awareness, education, and support for individuals and families impacted by this devastating disease.
‘However, despite our unwavering commitment and dedication, the financial challenges we face have become insurmountable, leading us to the difficult decision to place the charity into insolvency.’
Charity support services, such as telephone hotlines and online forums, will ‘cease immediately’, the statement added, with the other services such as printing already stopped ‘as coronavirus has had a significant impact on our funding’.
Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, which has ceased trading and is largely uncontactable, added it is liaising with a firm of liquidators.
Social media users, such as Welsh rugby fan Kevin Delaney, couldn’t help but think of the ways Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust supported them – or their loved ones – over the years.
‘I will never, ever forget what the trust did for me and my family in our darkest hours when my sister Helen was diagnosed with stage four and later passed away,’ he said, sharing a photograph of the pair.
The charity often worked with officials to encourage awareness (Picture: Leon Neal/Getty Images)
‘I will forever be in the Maxwell family’s debt.’
Debbie Ashley, a teacher, added: ‘So sorry to hear this. Thank you for the support you gave me when I needed it.
‘So sad that others in a similar position won’t be able to access it.’
Kent local Melanie Quinn said: ‘Sad news indeed, a reflection of the times we live in. Huge thanks for all you have done for all of us affected by cervical cancer.’
There are around 850 cervical cancer deaths in the UK every year, with official figures showing a third of women don’t take up their latest test.
There are many reasons why someone wouldn’t or hasn’t got a cervical screening test, with a lack of information sometimes making the list.
MSPs from across the party divide pose in show of support for Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust (Picture: Ken Jack/Getty Images)
Jo and James were among them. According to the charity, the couple felt information on the disease was few and far between in the 1990s.
Diagnosed in 1995, Jo admitted that her diagnosis was, in part, down to her not being clued up on the causes and symptoms of cervical cancer.
But just four years later, sitting in a garden surrounded by her friends and family, Jo’s condition took a turn. She died on May 1, 1999.
The trust was founded only a year later. ‘At that time there was limited reliable information and support and Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust changed that,’ the charity’s statement added.
‘Although Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust will no longer be operational, we encourage women and those who need support and information to access other organisations and resources as listed below.
‘Since the inception of this charity, the possibility of eliminating cervical cancer has become closer to reality due to developments in the cervical screening and HPV vaccination programs.
‘We sincerely hope that the progress achieved to date is not lost and that the UK Government develops a funded plan to eliminate cervical cancer at the earliest opportunity.’
Ending the statement, Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust advised those in need of support and information to look to MacMillan Cancer Support and Eve Appeal.
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