A BRAVE cancer sufferer is using her battle against the condition to help others.

Aged just 33, Natalie Poole did not expect to be given the devastating news she had cervical cancer.

She had undergone the regular checks and did not hesitate to go to the doctors with any unusual symptoms between screenings.

Now she is organising a glamorous ball to raise awareness, and aid research, into the condition.

Above all she is urging women to be aware of the signs of the cancer — and trust their instincts.

Miss Poole, who lived in Stoneclough, was told she had the cancer in July of this year after insisting she be referred to a specialist after prescription antibiotics, taken over a long period of time, did not work.

Her last regular screening was in November, 2011.

She said: “I had the classic symptoms. My body was telling me something was wrong. Maybe I should have pushed earlier, but I did everything I was supposed to do.”

Miss Poole, who has moved back in with her mum in Swinton, added: “The message is to raise awareness of the cancer, the symptoms and for women to be aware what their body is telling them.”

The estate agent had developed the adenocarcinoma cervical cancer, which develops at the back of the cervix.

She had “horrific” symptoms caused because the tumour became ulcerated, including ext-reme tiredness and irregular periods.

Now, she is undergoing a six-week intensive course of radical treatment, which involves radiotherapy every day and chemotherapy once a week at Christie Hospital.

And with her friends, including Sarah Johnson, dance and enrichment co-ordinator at Kearsley Academy, Miss Poole is organising a glamorous black tie ball to raise awareness and money for cervical cancer charity Jo’s Trust.

Miss Poole said: “I want to do something positive and give something back.

“We are hoping to raise £10,000 for Jo’s Trust and raise awareness of the condition, which is the second most common cancer among women. It will be amazing. There will be a red carpet and champagne reception.

“So many people who don’t know me have donated brilliant raffle prizes.”

Miss Poole, who is still working two days a week, is being supported in her fight by her friends and family.

She said: “When something like this happens, it makes you realise how important your friends and family are, They can get you through anything.”

The ball will take place on February 13 at Buile Hill Park Hall in Salford.

For ticket information or to support the event, visit Natalie’s Fight Like a Girl on Facebook or go here.

Every year in the UK, more than 3,000 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer and nearly 1,000 women will die from the disease.

The top 10 symptoms are:

  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Being tired all the time
  • Vaginal discharge coloured with blood
  • Swollen legs
  • Feeling full all the time
  • Pain in the pelvis or abdominal area
  • Bloated belly
  • Constantly needing the toilet
  • Persistent nausea or indigestion