Tickling her adorable toddler Mabel until she squeals with delight, TV presenter Jo Wilson, 37, appears the very picture of happiness. The beautiful blonde journalist has a dream job at Sky Sports, is a proud mum to her two-year-old, and lives with her loving partner of six years in a pretty cottage.
But – as we’ve all learned – life can be cruel and unpredictable. Cancer doesn’t care who you are. This summer, Jo was left reeling after being diagnosed with stage three cervical cancer. Until now, she has only told family and a few close friends her news. Despite her natural shyness, Jo is bravely opening up exclusively to OK! readers for the very first time to speak publicly about the disease.
“I’m a very private person so this was a huge decision for me, but if I can make just one woman book her smear test or go for a check-up after having a baby then it’s worth speaking out,” she reveals.
Jo – who earned an athletics scholarship in her youth – always prided herself on being fit and healthy. After leaving London in 2020, Jo and her partner Dan, 42, looked forward to raising Mabel, and perhaps a future sibling, in their Cotswold village.
Jo’s future seemed as flourishing as her honeysuckle. But as she shares her story, she is determined to remain positive about what she called “the biggest challenge of my life so far”.
Here, for Gynaecological Cancer Awareness month, Jo opens up about life after her diagnosis...
Hello Jo. What a terrible shock, when did symptoms appear?
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