Middlesbrough Hygienist Scales Ben Nevis to Raise Mouth Cancer Awareness
A dental hygienist from Middlesbrough successfully reached the summit of Ben Nevis last month as part of a charity challenge to raise awareness of mouth cancer.
Gillian Fenwick, who was crowned ‘Dental Hygienist of the Year’ at the National Dental Awards this year, has marked another amazing achievement by climbing to the summit of the UK’s highest mountain. Gillian completed the challenge alongside her two sons, Bailey (16) and Harvey (12).
The brave hygienist took on the challenge as part of a campaign called Movieit4smiles. The aim is to raise awareness of mouth cancer and also support calls for the HPV vaccination to be made available to teenage boys as well as girls.
Speaking after the challenge, Gillian said she is passionate about raising awareness of HPV and campaigning for boys to have the vaccination provided by the NHS. HPV is linked to cervical cancer, which is why the immunisation is available for girls. However, it also has a role to play in increasing oral cancer risk. There are indications that the vaccine will be available to all by 2020, but campaigners are eager for the government to bring the date forward.
The trio set out on their 16 km trek on the 29th May. It took around eight hours to reach the peak at 1,346 feet above sea level.
Gillian was supported by colleagues and patients at Identity Dental Care in Billingham. The team are also taking part in the Pedometer Challenge for mouth cancer over the course of the coming four weeks. The aim is to take steps to raise awareness of mouth cancer and encourage friends, family and patients to get involved and make healthy lifestyle choices.
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