Your Stories

Chrissie: “All I want now is another Christmas with my family and friends”

Chrissie tells us about her ovarian cancer story; from the initial symptoms and getting a diagnosis, to being a mother whilst living with cancer. Chrissie's remarkable story ends with one wish: more cherished moments with loved ones.

Sarah – ‘this diagnosis doesn’t mean the end of your life – you are still living’

In May 2016, Sarah sat by her 94 year old Grandma’s side whilst she died of ovarian cancer. Her Great Grandmother had died of it in her 60’s too. 18 months later, Sarah’s experience of ovarian cancer became even more personal.

Alexandria: ‘I had ovarian cancer, that’s why I’m discovering breakthroughs for other women with the disease’

Alexandria was diagnosed with stage 1 ovarian cancer in 2014, while she was at university studying to become a scientist.

Her experience fuelled a passion to study ovarian cancer research, and improve diagnosis and treatment for other women. It’s been eight years since Alexandria finished her treatment, and she’s now proudly working at our Ovarian Cancer Action Research Centre. Alexandria passed her thesis defence is 2023 and is now has a PHD in cancer studies. 

Here she shares her story.

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.

Lynne: “I want to show other women with ovarian cancer that they don’t have to walk alone”

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.

Natalie Pearce: "Being aware of the faulty BRCA gene has helped my family"

"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.

Emma: "Never in my life did I think it would be me, especially not at 20"

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.

Phoebe Usher: "I’m so grateful for all of the previous research"

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 Butler: "I didn't want to worry them so I kept the chance it could be cancer to myself"

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: “My wish for the future, is that together we can make ovarian cancer a disease every woman survives.”

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. 

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." 

Marion Bines: "Being told I had ovarian cancer was so surreal"

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 Hogg: "I was continually told that it was just the menopause"

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: Why ovarian cancer research is so important:

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. 

Danielle Golding: From cancer at 23 to a family of three

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 Robson: "I have become much more open about my diagnosis"

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's ovarian cancer journey: diagnosis, treatment, and beyond

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

Adele Sewell: "I incorrectly assumed that a cervical smear would discover all female gynaecological cancers""

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.