Your Stories

Tracey: A quick blood test to find out your BRCA status could save your life

Tracey tells us about her genetic testing experience. After finding out she was BRCA positive, she had risk-reducing oophorectomy. During the surgery they discovered she already has ovarian cancer.

Linsey: “My wonderful Mum could still be alive today - if only the GP had done two simple things”

Linsey tells us the story of her mother, Anne who was diagnosed with Stage 4c ovarian cancer in 2011, after switching to a private GP. Here, she tells us of her mum's struggle with getting a diagnosis, treatment and what she wants all women to do if they suspect they're experiencing ovarian cancer symptoms.

Alex: Not getting involved with Ovarian Cancer Action was not an option

After witnessing what his wife, Vicky, went through, Alex knew that not getting involved with Ovarian Cancer Action wasn't an option. He decided to raise £75,000 in her name and continues to raise money towards changing the outcome for the next generation. 

Liz: “I lost my daughter to ovarian cancer - she died within a year of her diagnosis"

Louise’s Mum, Liz, shares her daughter’s story. She talks about the symptoms she experienced and highlights the injustice her loved one faced.

Olivia – ‘Mum was not only a parent but, as an only child, she was my best friend, and Dad’s best friend too.’

Ellen Javed passed away from ovarian cancer in May 2020, in the midst of the Covid pandemic and weeks after her daughter Olivia had turned 21. In this heartfelt tribute, Olivia tells her story and how her mum’s strength and resilience shone through, even at the hardest of times.

Hollie: “We must do more to save the lives of women like my mum”

Helen Clarke was diagnosed ovarian cancer in 2015, aged 57. Helen was misdiagnosed time and time again, even when her cancer returned. Sadly, she passed away from ovarian cancer in March 2018.

Five years on, Helen’s daughter, Hollie, highlights why we need to educate others about the disease and why early and accurate diagnosis is vital.

In Margaret's Name - her story, told by her husband

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.

Hannah's story - from a dad to a daughter

"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." 

Remembering cancer campaigner Fi Munro

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. 

Remembering Anne Giess: International Nurses Day

David lost his lovely wife Anne to ovarian cancer in 2019. Now he’s determined to raise awareness so that both women, and men, will recognise the disease.

Kizzie's Step Challenge journey

Just two weeks after she lost her mum to ovarian cancer, Kizzie decided to take part in our Walk In Her Name Step Challenge. Together with friends and family she raised whopping £3,176, reaching the top of our fundraising leader board. Now, she reflects on her experience and what it meant to her to take part. 

Putting a spotlight on age inequality: Elizabeth's story

Women of all ages should have access to the best possible care when diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Sadly Debra’s mum Elizabeth, didn’t. Debra shares her mum’s story in the hope that all GP's will be better equipped in the future if a patient exhibits symptoms.

Carolyn: "More than anything, she was the heart of our family"

Carolyn sadly lost her mum to ovarian cancer 18 months ago. Now she is determined to raise money for the vital research that will create better treatments, earlier detection and methods of prevention. Read her story below.

DNA Family Secrets: Duri shares her story as part of BBC Two documentary

Duri Mehmet, one of the founding members of our Next Generation Women's Collective, sadly lost her mum to ovarian cancer nine years ago, she then discovered that the disease runs in her family. Duri shared her journey as part of BBC Two documentary called DNA Family Secrets on the 9th March 2021. This is her full story.

Issy: "My mum is the reason we are fundraising for Ovarian Cancer Action"

Issy lost her mum Lydia two years ago to ovarian cancer. Now she and her family take part in our Walk In Her Name Step Challenge in order to raise money for a screening tool. This is her story.

"I just thought of my Mum and all those other women fighting ovarian cancer." - Jack

11 year old Jack Carson ran 43 miles during February half term for Ovarian Cancer Action because he wanted to “support women and girls, like my Mum.” He tells us his story.

“Our efforts will be for our daughters, and for women everywhere” Libby.

Libby sadly lost her friend Elaine to ovarian cancer in 2019. In her memory, she is organising a New Year’s Eve walk on one of Elaine’s favourite routes to raise money and awareness for the disease. This is Elaine’s story.

Head shave for Sian

Harriet and Tatiana have been best friends through thick and thin, including when Tatiana’s mum, Sian, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. To prevent others from going through this experience, Harriet has shaved her head to raise awareness of the disease.

Catherine: "My wish is that no one else dies from undiagnosed peritoneal cancer."

Catherine lost her mum Alison to primary peritoneal cancer in 2012. Eight years on, she’s ready to share her story in the hope she can help others survive the disease.

Rabbi Oliver: “The BRCA gene fault is much more prevalent in the Ashkenazi Jewish community."

By sharing his story, Rabbi Oliver hopes to help prevent cancer in Jewish communities.