On 29 May, the dental hygienist from Thornton, Middlesbrough, who was named Dental Hygienist of the Year at the Dental Awards earlier this year, took part in the oral health initiative Moveit4smiles, a project which aims to tackle mouth cancer while campaigning for boys to receive the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination.

Gill, was joined by her two sons, Bailey, 16 and Harvey, 12. The trio tackled Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the UK, standing at 1,346ft above sea level, head-on.

Gill believes strongly in raising awareness of mouth cancer and campaigning towards the NHS provision of an HPV vaccination for all boys, which is currently only available for girls.

Gill said: ‘HPV is responsible of numerous diseases and has been estimated to be the cause of 5% of all cancer cases. There is a vaccination available, but presently it is only given to girls because of its link with cervical cancer. Indications are that the vaccination will be available to be prescribed to boys in 2020. Until then a generation of our sons, brothers, grandsons and nephews will pass through to adulthood unprotected.’

HPV is the most common sexually-transmitted disease which almost every sexually-active person will get at some time in their lives. Fortunately, most people with HPV never develop symptoms or health problems.

Gill was supported by her colleagues at Identity Dental Care in Billingham, who are also taking part in the Moveit4smiles Pedometer Challenge, which sees them walking steps for mouth cancer over four weeks.

The Pedometer Challenge encourages dental practices and professionals to campaign with their families, friends, colleagues and patients to get fit, have fun, improve their health and help raise awareness and money for mouth cancer.

To find out more visit www.moveit4smiles.org/challenge.