Advanced ovarian cancer is difficult to cure. Most patients are free of the disease after completing initial surgery and chemotherapy, but the cancer usually comes back.

This is my story and why I want to raise money to support more life-saving research.

On 5th October 2018, my husband, Andrew and I sat in the Gynae Oncology Department at Addenbrooke’s Hospital – our world changed that day. I had no obvious symptoms and was feeling well but a pain around my pelvis made me seek advice from my GP and very quickly I received my diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer - already Stage III, high grade serous ovarian cancer. The ovarian mass had spread to my pancreas and lymph nodes.

As with other women diagnosed with this rare but potentially devastating cancer, I was about to embark on a journey that would involve multiple investigations including tumour biopsies and imaging, major surgery as well as chemotherapy and other treatments. Whilst I responded well to the chemo (18 cycles: an infusion, lasting a full day, every 3 weeks), when this treatment ended, the cancer came back. However, brilliantly, I was quickly back on chemo and thankfully, with amazing success.

It was a frightening time but Andrew and our darling daughters, Sophie and Ellie have provided the most amazing support. We would put on our 'positivity' playlist and dance around the kitchen, and our girls would say,” right mum, we’re going to get through this.”

I feel so fortunate to have been looked after by such incredible medical professionals and clinicians: I am in awe of their skill and knowledge. Today, having ‘no evidence of disease’ I am taking Olaparib and Cediranib, ground- breaking trial drugs, parp-inhibitors, to keep the cancer away and I’m kept under review every two months. How lucky am I!

Research is moving at such a pace and I’m proud to be part of a patient partnership group supporting this work. For me, it’s time to give something back and fundraising is one of the things that will advance the research and save more lives.

Scientists are studying the genetic changes that occur in tumours to understand what causes cancer cells to become resistant to drugs. They are also using new imaging technology so they can monitor how tumours are responding to treatment and whether they have spread to other parts of the body.

Ovarian cancer researchers are currently exploring closely linked themes to advance the understanding of ovarian cancer.

All funds so generously donated will be used to support research into ovarian cancer, as well as supporting future developments. Additionally, the money will be used to sponsor patient involvement in a diverse range of studies.

Find out more about ovarian cancer research at Cambridge University: https://crukcambridgecentre.org.uk/research/program