Dental Health Spa’s 500-mile walk for National Smile Month

The Proclaimers sang about doing it. Christina Chatfield is doing it.

During National Smile Month 2014, owner of Dental Health Spa Brighton and Dental Hygienist of the Year will be walking ‘500 miles for 500 smiles’ from Scotland to Brighton.

Christina Chatfield will be raising awareness of mouth cancer by taking part in this remarkable journey.

The campaign launch was held at Brighton’s Emporium Theatre on Tuesday 12 November.

Christina said: “I feel very passionately about improving oral health and widening the access of care for everyone. It’s a subject close to my heart and I’d like to get as many people as possible involved. You have the chance to join me and help to make a difference.”

The walk will begin in Kirriemuir, Scotland, where Christina’s career began, and conclude at her current practice in Brighton, passing through 32 destinations.

The money raised will go towards Mouth Cancer Action Month, a charity addressing a disease experts have forecast will rise within the next decade.

“Even if it is through a small donation or supporting your local community, I hope walking 500 miles will prompt people into thinking about how a healthy mouth can make all the difference,” she said.

“Walking 500 miles is an opportunity to raise awareness of the benefits of a healthy mouth. Direct access, the biggest law change in dental history which came into force on 1 May, is a significant step for people looking to gain access to better oral health.”

One of Christina’s patients, Welsh actor Steve Spiers, is lending his support to the campaign, by saying: “I’m backing this campaign as I was genuinely staggered to hear that more people die of mouth cancer than cervical and testicular cancer together. This sort of ignorance has to be addressed. Awareness of the fact may encourage someone to regularly visit their dentist.”

Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter OBE, added: “I’m delighted that Christina has chosen to support Mouth Cancer Action Month. It’s a great challenge for her, and a cause we will be supporting every step of the way.”

For further information about the campaign please visit www.500miles4smiles.org.

Words by Ceirney Eddie