September 2010, a year into my life in Leeds, I moved into a 7 bedroom house with Vic, Emily, Charlotte, Jamie, Stu and Lauren. (Not forgetting our honorary housemates – Danny Hayes and Dan May. Oh and there was another Dan too, Dan Studd!)
Yep 2010 is the year I got to know these wonderful people who soon became family to me. I remember chatting away into the early hours of the morning with guys, sharing my worries and feeling safe with them. There were plenty of laughs and amazing nights to be had too! Some wild nights out and even wilder nights in, with house parties that would become legendary.
Emily, Charlotte, Lauren and me at our American house party.
We became really great friends over that year and that friendship is still here today. 6 years later and I can tell you that I adore all of these wonderful people. I am very lucky to have met them and to call them my friends. I love you all very much.
So why am I getting all mushy and sentimental now?
Well I want to tell you more about my beautiful, strong and inspiring friend Charlotte. Actually, I’ll let Charlotte tell you the next bit…
“A year ago today I received the news that completely turned my world upside down, I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
I was misdiagnosed for almost 6 months despite visits to A&E, multiple blood tests, scans and surgeries. Due to my age it was thought unlikely to be cancer.
Not long after my diagnosis, my friends and I set out on a mission to help change the future of this disease and GRL PWR was born.
Our aim is to educate and raise awareness with the hope that more women can recognise the symptoms and can be diagnosed as early as possible.
At this current moment in time, there is no screening test reliable enough to pick up ovarian cancer at an early stage. The only way to change this is to help support research and testing.
By becoming a GRL PWR supporter and buying our merchandise you will be helping us raise money for Target Ovarian Cancer so they can continue their amazing work in improving early diagnosis and helping to fund life saving research.”
Charlotte is such an amazing, feisty, and funny person and I’ve always been in complete awe of her. I can’t even describe how much she inspires me; she’s become a real life superhero. She has not only fought against cancer but dedicated her time and strength to bring GRL PWR to life. With the help of her wonderful friends, they have set up an amazing charity campaign to support the work of Target Ovarian Cancer. The girls at GRL PWR have worked hard to design and produce a clothing line which has been worn by a whole host of celebs – AMAZING.
The profit from all their merch goes to Target Ovarian Cancer and makes a huge difference to the charity. Not only are they raising money, but they’re raising awareness of Ovarian Cancer and it’s symptoms. Do you know what to look out for?
- Persistent pelvic or abdominal pain (that’s your tummy and below)
- Increased abdominal size/persistent bloating – not bloating that comes and goes
- Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
- Needing to wee more urgently or more often than usual
Occasionally there can be other symptoms such as changes in bowel habits, extreme fatigue (feeling very tired), unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite.
As a friend it’s difficult to know what to do to support someone who is going through such an awful thing. That’s why GRL PWR is great. I’m proud to call myself a GRL PWR supporter and I’ve bought the t-shirt to show it. It’s a great way of showing you care, and yet it does more by raising funds for a very important charity. If you’d like to buy a t-shirt you can find your’s here on GRL PWR’s site. They’re only £15. If you’re feeling the cold this winter then why not opt for a sweater instead. I’ve just placed an order for a black one. Though this grey one is super cute! They’ve already sold out in my size 🙁
One year on Charlotte seems to be doing a lot better. She had her last round of chemotherapy treatment in June and she continues to drive GRL PWR further and further. Let’s hope that Charlotte can be cancer free, stay cancer free, and live a very long healthy and happy life.
Charlotte
Beep!! This is so so lovely ❤️❤️ Thank you so much for the kind words, all the support and not forgetting those amazing memories of headingley avenue!! xxxx