Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

In May 2023 I was diagnosed with stage 1a ovarian cancer. Following a hysterectomy I then received chemotherapy until the end of November. Throughout my treatment, Marilyn, my darling only sister, supported me with words of wisdom and love, and even brought me food parcels when I was in isolation in hospital. The week of my final chemotherapy treatment she received the terrible news that she too had a primary ovarian tumour, but that hers had metastasised into her liver and peritoneum and that there was no curative treatment available for her. She was told that she had days/weeks, rather than weeks/months to live. This wonderful, generous, kind and talented woman passed away on Christmas Eve, just four weeks after her diagnosis, with us - her family, by her side and holding her hand. We were, and still are stunned, and overwhelmed at such a loss. This disease is a silent killer. It was sheer luck that I received an early diagnosis, for my symptoms were insignificant (and probably coincidental), and could have been easily overlooked. My sister had no symptoms in the early stages and only latterly experienced tummy pain, bloating and weight loss.

We need to get the message out to all women to be health vigilant, and to improve research so that a reliable early detection test can be developed. Please give what you can for this charity, whose aim is to do just that. In an effort to raise awareness (and funds for Target Ovarian Cancer), throughout June, I am aiming to walk 11,000 steps per day.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.