A MOTHER-OF-FOUR has appeared on TV to raise awareness of a deadly virus that she escaped.

Shabana Begum, 41, of Almondbury, went on YTV’s Calendar to increase awareness of hepatitis and to highlight World Hepatitis Awareness Day.

Shabana, a beauty therapist and lecturer, has campaigned since she was diagnosed with Hepatitis C in 2004.

Shabana, who believes she was infected in the 1980s, was cleared of the virus in 2004 but has continued to campaign, especially in Asian communities.

She has appeared in national newspapers and magazines, made a film biography and produced and distributed a CD in English and Urdu with information on the virus across northern England.

Shabana met the Bodyshop supremo Dame Anita Roddick – who died recently – at the Houses of Parliament for the launch of her film biography. Dame Anita had also been diagnosed with hepatitis.

Shabana says: “Rather than sitting on their symptoms people should get themselves tested.

“The likelihood is you won’t have it, but if you do you can get treatment if it’s spotted early.

“Our message is getting through, but the reason for a lot of the problem is people won’t talk about it.

“Because of the connection with HIV it’s a taboo subject, especially in Asian communities.

“When I had it some of my so-called friends physically took a step back. That was down to a lack of knowledge.

“Hepatitis is avoidable if you take precautions. Use common sense.”