A young mum of three, diagnosed with terminal stomach cancer, has along with her family been lauded for their determination to spread awareness of the disease and its symptoms.
Shona Johnson and her family have been nominated for a Pride of Reading award, sponsored by De Vere Wokefield Estate, which salutes a Reading family who, through showing each other love, support, respect and kindness, deserve special recognition as Family of the Year.
A nominator said: “Shona Johnson is a 34-year-old woman with three wonderful children aged under ten.”
Only months after marrying her partner of 11 years, Jahred, she learned the news her cancer was terminal.
“She has shown remarkable strength and courage throughout and so have her children,” said the nominator.
To highlight her campaign, Shona’s Stones was created where people come together to decorate pebbles then distribute them in public places. They have been taken all over the world to spread awareness of symptoms and to demand earlier diagnosis and the best treatment for cancer patients.
Another nominator said: “Her determination and spirit to help others and her own family shine through in everything she has done.”
A third said: “The courage, strength and love this young family has is second to none.
“Shona and Jahred got married in March 2022 before her diagnosis and are the proud parents of three beautiful young children.”
Praise from the community for the family is overwhelming. Other comments include:
“The children have shown such resilience and are forever showing kindness towards others, despite going through a seriously tough time at home watching their mum become so poorly. As a family they deserve to be recognised for being such an inspiration to everyone. The love they show each other is just beautiful.”
“Her and her family have been incredibly strong over the last few months still smiling at this hard time. They’re an absolute credit by raising awareness to help other people spot signs.”
“Most families would break in this situation, but this family have just been incredible! My heart goes out to them all.”
The Pride of Reading Awards annual lunch, hosted by Chris Tarrant, will be held in October, where shortlisted nominees, guests and sponsors are invited and winners are celebrated.
