A MUM who fought cervical cancer is hosting a fundraising event to raise awareness of the disease - and to encourage women to take a smear test.

Leanne Black was diagnosed with the condition when she was 28, after paying a visit to a sexual health clinic with a friend.

Now 29, Leanne, of Wibsey, is waiting for the all-clear and has organised - with the help of friends Sarah Wadsworth, Chantelle Brown and Ciaron Gallagher - a fundraising and awareness event at Bradford City's Valley Parade stadium.

There will be cocktails, a fashion show, a dance group, a raffle of men and women for dates, and auctions with prizes such as horse riding lessons and Bradford City tickets. Money raised at the event will go to Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust charity.

"We want to get over £3,000," said Leanne, who has two children aged ten and seven. "I don't want it to be about me. I have not even cried. I want people to have the knowledge and to go for their smear. The message is 'get a smear'."

On her diagnosis, Leanne said: "I was very, very lucky they caught it early. If I would have left it another six months, my situation could have been much worse.

"I was so lucky - I don't feel like I even had cancer. I have spoken to other victims and their stories were just heartbreaking."

Leanne, whose nan and aunt had cervical cancer, urged women to get a smear test done. She said: "I have been through it, I can sympathise. I understand people who are scared to get this test done.

"And lots of women don't know the symptoms - such as bleeding, bad stomach ache and hurting after sex.

"A lot of female contraception makes you have these symptoms. People need to be aware that you need to get these tests.

"For five minutes, it is something that can save your life.

"I would like to bring cervical cancer up to the same level of awareness as breast cancer. It is not spoken about as much and it is something that can be prevented."

She added: "The purpose of the event is to raise awareness, especially for younger girls who don't even think about it.

"They don't give you a smear test until you are 25. They found abnormalities in my sister but they will not do a smear until she is 25 - she is 23 now.

"Lots of teenagers can have an injection - a HPV vaccine - that is available. These jabs are not 100 per cent, but it is better than nothing. It is something that could help."

On finding out she had cancer, Leanne said: "I went for a sexual health check with my friend. I have always been scared because of my nan and aunt.

"They did it and straight away took me into a little room and I just knew from there. The test was sent to a lab in Leeds and I was in limbo for about two weeks.

"I was told over the phone - it was a shock. I knew it was coming but it didn't sink in."

She underwent an operation, at the age of 28, and said: "That is a very, very young age. It doesn't always happen to older people.

"I had a hysterectomy - it is something I needed to do. I am a mum of two already. I have no womb anymore. I am waiting for the all-clear now."

The event, which is £10 on the door to get in, is on March 19 from 7pm to 11pm. If anyone wants to donate prizes for the auctions or make a donation, contact leanneblack0886@gmail.com or visit www.justgiving.com/Leanne-Black86/.