A CANCER survivor has opened up on taking part in a campaign to highlight the 'taboo' subject of sex and cancer.

Ali Alcock, from Corwen, was diagnosed with cervical cancer nine years ago and went on to endure a five-month battle.

Every year since then, the social worker has set out on a mission to support the Macmillan Cancer Support charity which had her back throughout that difficult journey. 

During last year alone, 46-year-old Ali collected around £12,000 for the charity, taking her total tally raised down the years to an incredible £73,000.

In her latest link-up with the charity, Ali has been highlighting a topic she says she is very passionate about.

Teaming up with both Macmillan and Lovehoney, Ali has joined up with others to discuss her views and experiences of sex and cancer.

She said: "It’s still viewed as a taboo subject. The Macmillan Comms team and myself have tried over the years but it’s only this year that Lovehoney stepped up to work in partnership with Macmillan on this campaign.

"It’s about sex and intimacy but so much more too. It’s about mental health and well-being, loss, fertility, femininity and so many questions and worries that people living with or surviving cancer have but don’t know who to ask or talk to about it."

The video Ali took part in has been viewed by over 60,000 people so far. You can watch it here ...

She went to London to film the piece alongside five other people.

Speaking to the Leader, Ali added: "I feel so very proud and privileged to have been invited to be a part of this campaign along with another five people living with or who are survivors of cancer.

"The response has been amazing and so positive with my video being viewed by around 60,000 people so far.

MOST READ

"I was so chuffed to have been invited to be a part of this as it was something I have been really passionate about since my own cancer journey began."

Ali is now in remission, but she says that not being able to have open conversations about sex and relationships after her diagnosis had a huge impact on her wellbeing.

Together with Lovehoney, Macmillan says it wants to 'reinforce' the message that everyone is entitled to sexual happiness and encourage more people to have open conversations about sex and cancer.