JOANNA “Jo” Greensmith came through two cancer scares before a road collision claimed her life.

A year on, Jo’s close-knit family and friends have donated nearly £3,000 so Wye Valley NHS Trust can set up a breast cancer awareness event in her name. And it could be the first of many.

Jo, 26, from Pontrilas, first faced the prospect of cancer at 18 and again at 21.

After finding a breast lump, Jo was referred to Hereford County Hospital for investigation. But on both occasions the diagnosis came back clear.

Jo died last February when her car was in a collision on the A465 at Llangua.

Nearly £3,000 of donations made at Jo’s funeral by her family and friends will fund the the county’s first breast cancer health and wellbeing event in March Jo’s mum Chris was herself diagnosed and treated for breast cancer 15 years ago.

“Ever since my first diagnosis, Jo had supported breast cancer awareness and this would have been her wish to help other people affected by breast cancer,” said Chris.

“I am delighted that we are able to give something back to local cancer services and to raise awareness of the support available to people affected by breast cancer in Herefordshire.”

The event is specifically aimed at patients who have recently completed treatment for breast cancer.

Jackie Jones, the trust’s lead cancer nurse, confirmed the event as a county first which would include healthcare professional talks and advice with a breast care nurse, physiotherapist, and clinical psychologist, as well as complementary therapy taster sessions and a wide range of charities and local organisations.

“We are extremely grateful to Chris and her family and friends for this generous donation in memory of Jo,” said Jackie.