Friday, 30 May 2014 14:40 GMT

Sign firm helps Christina's cancer mission

Mouth cancer is a cruel disease but one sign-making firm is backing a fundraising campaign to battle it due to a personal contact.

Graphic designer Tony Lee works at Sussex Signs and is a friend of 'Dental Hygienist of the Year', Christina Chatfield who has decided to walk 500 miles to raise cash to fight mouth cancer. Once thought of as a disease of old men and pipe smokers mouth cancer is now associated with young people in their 20s and 30s due to a link with the human papilloma virus (HPV). This group of viruses are linked to a number of cancers especially in women and are related to unprotected sex.

Alarmingly more people die from mouth cancer in this country than testicular and cervical cancer put together. Christina is keen to raise awareness and more importantly cash in her mission to walk the length of the country.
Sussex Signs have designed and wrapped Christina’s camper van she is using as her support vehicle and have made a banner to greet her on her arrival on June 19 at The Beach Café in Littlehampton.

The walk will begin in Kirriemuir, Scotland, where Christina’s career began, and conclude at Dental Health Spa Brighton, her current practice”

The walk will begin in Kirriemuir, Scotland, where Christina’s career began, and conclude at Dental Health Spa Brighton, her current practice.

Sussex Signs’ Norman Mayhew says: “We wish her all the best for the walk and look forward to welcoming her home on at The Beach Café .”

Christina says: “The first message is about mouth cancer, about lobbying for male vaccination against HPV. Most people are diagnosed at a late stage as they have not sought dental professional advice, many through fear and anxiety.

“The predictions are that HPV related cancers will reach epidemic levels. Awareness is key with both the profession and the population, this is about our sons and daughters, this is everyone. Girls are currently vaccinated and boys are not, due to the link with HPV and cervical cancer. The burden of HPV cancers is the same in men as in women, without vaccination men remain at risk.”

If you would like to donate to the cause visit www.500miles4smiles.org

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