Your Stories

Margaret Anne Scougal was born in 1952. At the age of 16, she became a cadet nurse at the Cumberland Infirmary, Carlisle. Upon retirement, she had been a business manager, ward sister and matron of orthopaedics. She helped to train scores of nurses starting out. Years later some of those very same nurses treated her for ovarian cancer. Margaret died in June 2021 aged 69. This is her story, as told by her husband, Tony.

Lynne was diagnosed with ovarian cancer on Valentine’s Day 2018, aged 51. To celebrate five years since her diagnosis, Lynne is taking part in Walk In Her Name in memory and support of other women with the disease.

Here Lynne shares her story, why she’s taking part in the challenge this March for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and how you can join her.

"This photo still stops my heart. I remember how scared I was and how I was trying to put on a brave smile."

Natalie was diagnosed with Stage 3c ovarian cancer in November 2012, aged 40. Now, celebrating a decade since her diagnosis, she wants to share her story to give hope to anyone, especially with late stage ovarian cancer, who has just been diagnosed, or who is undergoing treatment.

It all started earlier in the year when I developed symptoms like having to get up to wee a lot during the night, feeling sick all the time and losing my appetite. The doctors and I both put it down to IBS, never in my life did I think it would be cancer.

Your funds are the future. Read Phoebe's story to find out why she's taking part in the Walk in Her Name 100km challenge.

Nicola was 46 years old when she was diagnosed with stage 1c epithelial germ ovarian cancer. In January 2023, it's five years since her treatment ended and her final appointment with her consultant (before she moves under the care of her GP with annual blood tests). Here she reflects on the importance of listening to your body.

Kirsty Chisholm was diagnosed with a rare form of ovarian cancer at just 29 years old. At the time, she and her husband were newly married and couldn’t wait to start their family. But they soon realised it wasn’t going to be that simple. 

"While Hannah might not be here physically anymore, I’m still so proud to be her dad and that responsibility to her won’t ever stop." 

Marion Bines, was diagnosed with stage 3c ovarian cancer in November 2017 at the age of 52. She told us about her ovarian cancer story and how she considers herself 'one of the lucky ones'

Helen was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2007, aged 47. She's now a proud grandmother and in her words 'I know how lucky I am to still be here'. This is her story.

Doris’ ovarian cancer diagnosis came as a huge shock, as despite her medical background, she was unaware of the disease. Now she’s sharing her story to help spread awareness of ovarian cancer in the hope that a focus on research will help more women survive the disease. 

When Danielle was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at the age of 23 it was the end of months go going back and forth to the hospital. Upon discovery that she had tumours on both her ovaries and required immediate surgery, her thoughts of the future, and having a family felt distant. This is her story.

Lisa was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer in 2016. Sadly she passed away in 2022 but her family wish is her story lives on. Back in 2020, she shared how she became more open about her diagnosis after a recurrence and played to her creative strengths to help raise awareness. 

Gillian was repeatedly misdiagnosed for 18 months, but she kept persevering until she was finally diagnosed with ovarian cancer aged 33. 

After being diagnosed with breast cancer eight years earlier, Adele was was concerned she had ovarian cancer symptoms and assumed she needed a smear test. Over the next 18 months, Adele learnt about how ovarian cancer is really diagnosed and what put her at an increased risk.

Florence was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer in 2010 and has undergone several rounds of gruelling chemotherapy and extensive surgery over the past 12 years.  She reflects on why breakthroughs in treatments are vital for her and thousands of women in the UK.

Anna was 24 years old when she was diagnosed with a stage 1c dysgerminoma. She shares her story.

70-year-old Fiona Jones was diagnosed with stage 3C high grade epithelial ovarian cancer during the coronavirus pandemic. Now in remission, she shares her experience.

On July 7th 2020, we said goodbye to cancer campaigner and award-winning researcher Fi Munro. 

Fi was diagnosed with non-genetic stage four ovarian cancer just four years earlier, aged 30, and it changed her life forever. Little did we know then, how much she would go on to change other people’s lives too. 

When Jenny's aunt was sadly diagnosed with peritoneal cancer she decided to have genetic testing. After discovering her own BCRA 2 gene mutation she started a support group on Facebook for other women who had a hereditary risk.