LIGHTING THE WAY
Lantern release to raise awareness of Amber’ s Law campaign as MP takes fight to minister
A lantern release will be held in memory of Amber Rose Cliff as supporters of a campaign in her memory have won the backing of a North East MP.
Family, friends and supporters of the 25-year-old, from Ashbrooke, will gather on Roker beach, on Friday, January 27, to release lanterns into the sky.
Amber Rose died earlier this month, aged just 25, after a four-year battle with cervical cancer.
She had repeatedly asked for a smear test after suffering symptoms from the age of 18 – only to be told they are only available to women over 25.
Amber was diagnosed with cancer after she paid for and had the test privately.
Now, a petition to create “Amber’s Law” has gained more than 190,000 signatures backing the test to become more readily available.
The petition has also been supported by a number of celebrities. Amber’s brother Josh, 27, has asked people to meet at 7pm, near the parking bays, to the left of the pier.
He said: “We set some lanterns off at my mam’s on Tuesday and we kind of thought it would be good if we could get more people together in memory of Amber.”
The campaign has also received the backing of Easington MP Grahame Morris, who has raised the subject with the Department of Health.
Mr Morris wrote: “I sympathise profoundly with anyone who is affected by cervical cancer and my thoughts are with the family and friends of Amber Rose at this difficult time.
“I support the Amber’s Law campaign as women no matter what their age should have access to smear tests if they are concerned about cervical cancer.
“In view of the circumstances, I have made representations to the Department of Health, highlighting your support and the petition, which has in excess of 180,000 signatures ,calling for changes to NHS guidelines to make screening more readily available.”
Meanwhile, graphic designer Paul Barber has created a logo for Amber’s Law, which has been printed on hoodies and T-shirts, in aid of Cancer Research UK.
Josh said the items will be for sale in stores yet to be confirmed, however, they can also be bought at the lantern release next week.
The T-shirts cost £6 each and hoodies cost £15.
The petition can be signed at www.change. org/p/the-governmentlower-the-age-of-cervicalcancer-screening-to-18-forhigh-risk-groups.