Ovarian Cancer Action newsletter 2010 by joanne wood

NEWSLETTER SPRING 2010

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month get involved!

The Cupcake Break have your cake and help us beat ovarian cancer!

Love Women Tribute Funds reflecting on our first year

Raising awareness making our voice heard in Parliament

Supermodel Twiggy and Catherine Tate help us raise ÂŁ145,000 at Love Art!

www.ovar ian.org .uk funding research | raising awareness | giving a voice

Contents N E W S

Welcome! Welcome to Ovarian Cancer Action’s Spring 2010 newsletter. March is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and, as always, your support will be critical to our success – so please do get involved! You can read about how you can help us raise awareness and much needed funds on pages 8 and 9. Our new fundraising campaign, The Cupcake Break, provides a perfect opportunity to have fun with friends and support the charity – see page 3 to find out how. While the Ovarian Cancer Action Research Centre is the main focus of our charity’s research effort, we also fund research projects at other laboratories which complement this work. In this issue, Helen Jamison of the Science Media Centre writes about some important studies being conducted by Professor Fran Balkwill and Dr Thorsten Hagemann at the Institute of Cancer at Barts in London with the support of Ovarian Cancer Action (see page 10). We also report on the success of our latest Love Art reception and auction, which raised over £145,000! I would like to thank our Chair, Allyson Kaye, and the Love Art Committee for all their hard work and support; Oliver Barker of Sotheby’s; celebrity supporters Twiggy and Catherine Tate; and event sponsors Coutts, who all made an important contribution to the success of the event. Finally, please listen out for our new BBC Radio 4 Appeal, featuring supporter Nigel Havers, which will be broadcast on the 18 and 22 April. See page 4 for further details.

Ovarian Cancer Action film

The Cupcake Break

Radio 4 Charity Appeal

Chief Executive

– a new way to raise funds

– listen to our appeal in April F E A T U R E S

Ovarian Cancer Voices

Being seen and heard in Parliament

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

– meet some of our new Voices

– our public affairs work explained

– find out how you could help

Research at the Institute of Cancer

My story: Helen Jamison

Love Women Tribute Funds

Love Art raises more than £145,000!

Thank you for everything that you do to support our work.

Peter Reynolds

– our new film to raise awareness

– two projects supported by our grants

– read about Helen’s experience

– it’s been a memorable first year

– our Love Art auction beats all records F U N D R A I S I N G

Thank Frock It’s Friday!

Fantastic fundraisers

– find out why dressing up is fun

– read about our amazing supporters Contact us Ovarian Cancer Action Harvard House, The Waterfront, Elstree Road Elstree, Hertfordshire, WD6 3BS Tel: Fax: Email: Visit:

HELP US SPREAD THE WORD!

One of the aims of Ovarian Cancer Action is to raise awareness of the disease. We believe that by being more aware of frequent and persistent symptoms, women who have ovarian cancer will receive treatment sooner. By giving copies of this newsletter to your friends, your local library or doctor’s surgery you could let more people know about the work we do to fund research, raise awareness, and give a voice to women with ovarian cancer. Call us today on 0300 4564700 or return the tear off slip if you’d like us to send you some extra copies of the newsletter to distribute.

funding research | raising awareness | giving a voice

0300 4564700 0300 4564708 info@ovarian.org.uk www.ovarian.org.uk

Registered charity no. 1109743

Trustees Allyson Kaye (Chair) Daniel Harris John Harris CBE Martin Paisner CBE Lord Turnberg of Cheadle Disclaimer It should be noted that inclusion in the Ovarian Cancer Action newsletter does not imply endorsement of a participating organisation or its products. Newletter production Head of Communications and Public Affairs: Sam Gibson Production Editor: Charlotte Williams Guest Writer: Helen Jamison Design: www.joannewood.co.uk Photography: Dan Tsantilis and Stephen Pover

N E W S

Ovarian Cancer Action launches new awareness film

Government announces new drive to improve early diagnosis National Clinical Director for Cancer, Professor Mike Richards, has announced plans to introduce new computer software to every GP surgery that will help calculate a patient’s risk of cancer based on factors such as symptoms, weight and age.

Professor Hani Gabra

Ovarian Cancer Action has recently produced a short film as a powerful means to raise awareness, explain our work and encourage support. We would like all our supporters to view the film and then send a link to friends, colleagues and loved ones! The film uses real-life stories and interviews to underline the need for women to be able to recognise the symptoms of ovarian cancer, and there are also contributions from

Professor Hani Gabra, Director of the Ovarian Cancer Action Research Centre; Allyson Kaye, Chair of Ovarian Cancer Action; and Peter Reynolds, our Chief Executive. The film was produced for us by Bruce Dunlop Associates and we are grateful to Ovarian Cancer Action supporters: Nicky Hirst, Paul Lomas, Danielle Kelman, Loretta and Paul Oliver, and Rocky Scott for helping us with this project.

VIEW THE FILM!

To view the film, visit our website at www.ovarian.org.uk and click 'View our new film' on the homepage; or find it on YouTube by typing 'Ovarian Cancer Action - full version' in the search facility. To request a copy of the film, or to let us know your opinion of it, call us 0300 4564700 or email film@ovarian.org.uk

Attend a free meeting at Royal Society of Medicine If you have been treated for ovarian cancer, or you know someone who has been, don’t miss your chance to attend the free meeting organised by the Royal Society of Medicine in association with Ovarian Cancer Action. The meeting will provide a comprehensive overview of issues relating to ovarian cancer, including

recognising risk and early detection techniques, genetic factors, symptoms, screening and survivorship. ‘Medicine & Me: Ovarian cancer’, takes place on Friday, 26 February, 12.30–5.00pm at the Royal Society of Medicine’s Main Lecture Theatre at 1 Wimpole Street, London.

JOIN US!

Patients and carers can attend this event for free (refundable £10 deposit required) by registering online at www.rsm.ac.uk/ medandme or by calling Dr Sarah Blacklidge 0300 4564707.

To find out more about Ovarian Cancer Action, visit www.ovarian.org.uk

This initiative comes after an announcement in September 2009 that the Government is planning to invest £1billion in improving access to cancer diagnostic tests, with an initial focus on ovarian, lung and bowel cancers Speaking to The Guardian newspaper, Professor Richards said that within five years every GP in

England should be using the software, adding: ‘It would take a remarkable human brain to be able to retain all the information about bowel, lung and ovarian cancer, as well as heart disease, so why not get computers to support it?’ Ovarian Cancer Action’s Chief Executive, Peter Reynolds, comments: ‘The introduction of new software to support GPs is a positive move. We hope it will prompt GPs to consider ovarian cancer as a possible diagnosis for women who are experiencing symptoms such as persistent bloating, stomach pain, having difficulty in eating or feeling full quickly on most days.’

Who can resist The Cupcake Break? The craze began Stateside in a famous episode of Sex & The City and now you can buy them in any UK supermarket or coffee shop on the high street – cupcakes are all the rage! This is why we think our new fundraising idea, The Cupcake Break, with its fun twist on the traditional coffee morning, will be a real winner, and encourage more women to get involved with Ovarian Cancer Action. The Cupcake Break is a great way to get together with family and friends – at home or at work. Simply ask everyone to give a donation to Ovarian Cancer Action to take part. They can either bring along their own cupcakes to share, pay for the pleasure of enjoying your cupcakes, or you could bake and decorate cupcakes together to enjoy later! You could even offer a prize for the most outlandish or lavish decoration. However you organise your event, The Cupcake Break will mean you can have your cake and help us beat ovarian cancer! GET BAKING!

For more information visit our website at www.ovarian.org.uk or join The Cupcake Break group on Facebook, to receive recipes and news throughout Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

N E W S

Spreading the word Raising awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer amongst health professionals is an important part of our work, so in the run up to Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month we will once again be sending leaflets and posters to every GP surgery in the UK. The packs will also include a briefing note explaining the Department of Health’s key messages for ovarian cancer.

Listen to our Radio 4 Appeal with Nigel Havers Every week the Radio 4 Appeal highlights the work of a charity and appeals for donations. Ovarian Cancer Action is pleased to have been chosen as one of the charities to be featured during April. We are delighted that actor Nigel Havers has agreed to present our appeal. Nigel became a Patron of Ovarian Cancer Action when his late wife, Polly, was diagnosed with the disease.

Tune in! You can hear the appeal on Radio 4 at the following times: • Sunday, 18 April at 7.55am • Sunday, 18 April at 9.26pm • Thursday, 22 April at 3.27pm Or you can listen to it on BBC iPlayer by visiting the Radio 4 Appeal website at www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/ b006qnc7

Ovarian Cancer Action Patron, Nigel Havers

M A K E A D O N AT I O N

If you can’t listen to the Appeal but would like to make a donation, please call us on 0300 4564700 or use the donation form on the tear off slip at the back of this newsletter.

Kate Willis

Kate Willis says: ‘Last year I was really pleased to see a poster about the symptoms of ovarian cancer on the notice board in my doctor’s surgery. Ovarian Cancer Action will be sending posters and leaflets to thousands of GP surgeries again this year, so I’m going to pop in to check the information is being displayed. It seems the least I can do!’ CAN YOU HELP?

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in March is a great time to let other women know about the symptoms of ovarian cancer. Could you distribute posters and leaflets in your local community? Shops, libraries, health clinics and local businesses could all help us by displaying information. You can download a symptoms awareness leaflet and poster from our website at www.ovarian.org.uk or call us on 0300 4564700 and we will send you copies.

ICAP makes it a day like no other! In the run up to Christmas, the ICAP Charity Day is a fantastic day of fun and fundraising – with ICAP staff and celebrities joining forces to raise money for good causes. ICAP is the world’s largest interdealer broker, and on one day a year – every year – the firm gives all its worldwide revenues to charity. Every office decides which charities to support and this year we were delighted to be one of those chosen. The 2009 Charity Day was held on 9 December and raised an astonishing £11.5 million globally for good causes! Ovarian Cancer Action is incredibly grateful to ICAP, its staff and customers for their support. Our thanks also go to actress Gwyneth Strong, a Patron of Ovarian Cancer Action, and comedienne, Jo Brand, who both represented Ovarian Cancer Action at the event and joined in the fun.

See what happened To view a short film of ICAP’s Charity Day, visit: www.icap.com/about-thegroup/charity-day/year2009event/eventmovie.aspx

Ovarian cancer Action supporter Jo Brand with some ICAP fundraisers

HELP US RAISE FUNDS!

Could you raise funds for Ovarian Cancer Action at your workplace? Our new fundraising initiative, ‘Thank Frock It’s Friday!’ is a great way to banish the winter blues! See page 14 of this newsletter to find out more, or email Hannah Greenshields at hgreenshields@ovarian.org.uk

funding research | raising awareness | giving a voice

F E A T U R E

Raising our Voices! Ovarian Cancer Voices is Ovarian Cancer Action’s new supporter initiative. It offers everyone who has been affected by ovarian cancer the opportunity to share their experiences and help us with our work to improve the future for women with ovarian cancer, and their families. We want you to get involved!

Loretta and Emma Oliver

Ovarian Cancer Action is committed to giving a voice to everyone who has been affected by ovarian cancer – it is one of our charity’s three main aims, together with raising awareness and funding research. Ovarian Cancer Voices will help us to channel the opinions, knowledge and experience of our supporters in a practical and positive way, and get our Voices heard to make a real impact!

Share your experience We want to hear about your personal experience, because whether you have ovarian cancer or you know someone who has, your first-hand knowledge gives you a unique perspective on the disease, its diagnosis and treatment. Ovarian Cancer Voices enables all our supporters to tell us how they feel and what they think, and we are confident it will become central to shaping our work in the future.

John Hayward

The strength of experience Sam Gibson, our Head of Communications and Public Affairs says: ‘Personal experience is a powerful catalyst for change and is at the heart of our work. Our Voices are best placed to explain their experiences of ovarian cancer because they have unique insight into how the disease has impacted on their lives – whether personally or through a relative or friend.’ Loretta Oliver has become one of Ovarian Cancer Action’s most active awareness-raisers. ‘Like so many women, I had no knowledge of ovarian cancer and I wish I’d known sooner that my persistent symptoms were associated with the disease,’ she says. ‘As a result of my diagnosis I’m committed to raising awareness of ovarian cancer amongst women – so they know to go straight to their GP if they experience symptoms on most days. Since February 2009 I’ve given more than 30 presentations with Ovarian Cancer Action, speaking to over 1,000 women in

To find out more about Ovarian Cancer Action, visit www.ovarian.org.uk

Christopher and Kate Willis

various City firms. I’d encourage you to help us spread the word to other women.’

First-hand insights But Ovarian Cancer Voices is not just about raising awareness. Listening to people’s experiences will also help us to identify issues and work to make improvements for women who are diagnosed with the disease in the future. For example, what aspects would you most like to see improved for other women or their families who face a diagnosis of ovarian cancer? What do you think about the quality of information, or access to support? What made your experience good, or otherwise? Your first-hand insights into the disease will really help to shape the conversations we have with healthcare professionals, politicians and media.

Talk to us You do not need any special skills to join Ovarian Cancer Voices. You just need to be willing to share your experiences, ideas and opinions – and you can give as

Paul and Thomas Oliver

much or as little time as you want. In turn, we will keep you informed about our progress, the things we are doing and the difference Ovarian Cancer Voices is making. Ovarian Cancer Action Chief Executive, Peter Reynolds, says: ‘Launching Ovarian Cancer Voices takes our work to a new level. We welcome the views of relatives and friends affected by ovarian cancer, as well as the views of women personally affected. Ovarian Cancer Voices will largely be shaped by the individual Voices who get involved and share their experiences with us, which makes this a very exciting project.’ J O I N O VA R I A N CANCER VOICES!

Tell us about your experience, or sign up to join Ovarian Cancer Voices. To find out more, call Dr Sarah Blacklidge on 0300 4564707 or email voices@ ovarian.org.uk

F E A T U R E

Being seen and heard in Parliament Staff and supporters of Ovarian Cancer Action recently spent a day raising awareness of ovarian cancer and our work amongst MPs and their staff at Portcullis House, the Houses of Parliament.

Louise Robinson, Editor of ‘S’ magazine, Sunday Express

Loretta Oliver

Rocky Scott

The awareness day was aimed at encouraging politicians to champion our cause and help us improve women’s chances of surviving ovarian cancer. With fewer than 40% of women who are diagnosed with the disease surviving five years, the UK has one of the worst survival rates for ovarian cancer in the Western world – a statistic that could be greatly improved if more women were diagnosed at an earlier stage, before the disease spreads.

Being seen Portcullis House is part of the Houses of Parliament and provides office space to 210 MPs and their staff. Ovarian Cancer Action set up a stand in the atrium of the building – a very visible location which also allowed us to have quality conversations with MPs and their staff.

Trustee, John Harris CBE with our Chair, Allyson Kaye

Being heard During the day we were joined by some of our inspirational supporters, who either had personal experience of ovarian cancer or were representing the loved ones they have lost to the disease. We were delighted so many politicians visited the stand, or asked members of their teams to do so. Many of our visitors promised to help us raise awareness of ovarian cancer and made a commitment to champion our Remember the Symptoms campaign.

Evening reception In the evening our supporters joined us at a reception hosted by Lee Scott, MP. Lee and his wife, Estelle, are great supporters of the work of Ovarian Cancer Action. They have a personal experience of ovarian cancer through their sister-in-law, Rocky

Scott, who was diagnosed and treated for the disease. (Rocky told her story in the Summer 2009 issue of our newsletter.)

Government support We were also delighted to welcome Ann Keen, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health Services. Ann was very supportive of our Remember the Symptoms campaign and confirmed the Government’s commitment to invest in improving access to diagnostic tests for cancer, with the initial focus on lung, bowel and ovarian cancer. Peter Reynolds, Ovarian Cancer Action’s Chief Executive, spoke about the progress the charity has made in the past year, and paid tribute to all our supporters whose hard work and commitment have made this possible. Ovarian Cancer Action supporter, Loretta Oliver, rounded up the speeches by explaining how – like

so many other women – she had no idea of the symptoms of ovarian cancer until she received her diagnosis. Loretta called on all the guests to support our work to raise awareness of ovarian cancer and identify more effective ways of diagnosing and treating it.

Showcasing our expertise The reception was a chance to meet friends, and update them on our recent successes and plans for the future. It was wonderful to have Professor Hani Gabra and several members of the Ovarian Cancer Action Research Centre team at the reception. The presence of these leading scientists allowed us to showcase the level of expertise within the charity, and led to some very useful conversations with MPs and journalists about our research and some of the key projects which are underway.

funding research | raising awareness | giving a voice

F E A T U R E

Lee Scott, MP and our CEO Peter Reynolds

David Lammy, MP

Public Affairs in 2010 If we are going to improve women’s chances of surviving an ovarian cancer diagnosis, we must ensure our voice continues to be heard at the highest levels of decision making in Parliament. As a result of our sustained public affairs work over several years Ovarian Cancer Action is fortunate to have some strong relationships with senior politicians and policy makers. And with 2010 being a general election year, it is important we encourage all politicians to get behind our campaign to improve the poor survival rates for ovarian cancer in the UK. The day at Portcullis House invigorated our call to MPs to help us raise awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer amongst women and healthcare professionals; and to support the focused programme of research

John Hayward and Baroness Morgan of Drefelin

Andrea Murray and Professor Hani Gabra

we undertake at the Ovarian Cancer Action Research Centre.

Quality conversations Our work within Parliament has received a boost for 2010 with the news that we have been chosen as a pro bono client by the Whitehouse Consultancy – a specialist political and public affairs consultancy. Over 20 charities competed to win the company’s pro bono support, so we are proud and delighted to have been chosen as the successful charity. Managing Director, Chris Whitehouse, welcomed Ovarian Cancer Action joining the Whitehouse client list, saying: ‘We look forward to helping Ovarian Cancer Action take their campaigning to the next level. This is an important time to contribute to the policy development process, with the general election in less than

To find out more about Ovarian Cancer Action, visit www.ovarian.org.uk

four months.’ He added: ‘Whitehouse has significant experience working with health and third sector clients, and we look forward to working with Ovarian Cancer Action to increase awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer, allowing earlier detection and improving women’s chances of surviving the disease.’ Peter Reynolds, Chief Executive of Ovarian Cancer Action says: ‘It’s going to be tremendously helpful to be able to call on the Whitehouse Consultancy to support our public affairs work during the year ahead. Their help will enable us to increase the number of high quality conversations we are able to have with parliamentarians; and ensure that improving survival rates for women diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the UK continues to be a priority for politicians with an interest in women’s health and cancer.’

Ann Keen, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Health Services

RAISE YOUR VOICE!

Join Ovarian Cancer Voices and help us make sure the voices of people affected by ovarian cancer are heard. See the article on page 5 to find out more, or call us on 0300 4564707. MPs work for you. So when you take part in our viral marketing campaign (see pages 3 and 8), send the link to your MP, so he/she can become a champion of the Remember the Symptoms too! Visit our website at www.ovarian.org.uk and click on the Remember the Symptoms section. Download an awareness pack: www.ovarian.org.uk /supportus/index.asp

F E A T U R E

Ovarian Cancer Awar Can you help us?

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in March is a really importa opportunity for us to talk about the symptoms of the disease, families to tell their stories, and for us to tell people about our w

Raise awareness At Ovarian Cancer Action we are always working to raise awareness of the disease among women and healthcare professionals, and we get our messages across in lots of different ways – so talk to us about how you might like to help!

Spread the word online

Joyce Ross: ‘If it hadn’t been for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, I would never have known I had ovarian cancer. ‘Last year I read about ovarian cancer in the Sunday Express ‘S’ Magazine and realised that for several months I’d been experiencing many of the symptoms mentioned in the article. I immediately visited my doctor and was referred to a consultant, who found I had Stage 1C ovarian cancer. I had a hysterectomy, followed by chemotherapy and I’ve recently been told my cancer is in remission. I’m so thankful I read about the symptoms of ovarian cancer and realised I might have the disease. My early diagnosis and treatment mean that I have a much better chance of survival.’

Ahead of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month we will be launching the UK’s first viral marketing campaign to encourage women to find out more about the symptoms of ovarian cancer – and

to share them with the other women in their lives via email, or social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter. The aim is to spread the word to as many women as possible during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month – and beyond!

Pick up a postcard 100,000 ‘Remember the Symptoms’ postcards will be available at gyms across the UK during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. See them at Fitness First, Virgin Active, Next Generation, Top Notch, Fitness Space, Soho Gyms and Third Space.

H E L P O U R C A M PA I G N

Visit www.ovarian.org.uk to take part in our Every Woman Should Remember campaign. GET IN TOUCH!

If you would like to speak to someone about raising awareness or you would like a copy of our awareness pack, call us on 0300 4564707 or email sblacklidge@ ovarian.org.uk

Share your story

Tell everyone you know

Danni Kelman:

Angela Walker:

‘I’ve helped Ovarian Cancer Action by sharing my story in the media to get across a number of important messages – from how to recognise the symptoms of ovarian cancer, to offering hope to women undergoing treatment. Getting more closely involved with the charity has been a really positive experience for me.’

‘Raising awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer is important to me, and it only took a couple of clicks of the mouse to let all the women in my life know about the symptoms. I’m also promoting the campaign on my Facebook page – after all, if everyone I know tells everyone they know it has to make a difference!’

Talk to the wider community

Organise a presentation

Angela Osman:

Kirsty Flockhart:

‘Until my mum was diagnosed with ovarian cancer I wasn’t even aware of the disease and I feel very strongly that early diagnosis through greater awareness could save lives. I’ve organised several fundraising events where we handed out leaflets and posters, and I’m still selling pins. Our aim is to raise £1,000.’

‘Ovarian Cancer Action’s presentation to the women in my office was a very effective way to raise awareness. Until then I don’t think anyone apart from me knew much about the disease or its symptoms. During Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, we’re going to display posters and leaflets around the office.’

funding research | raising awareness | giving a voice

F E A T U R E

reness Month

ant time of the year for our charity. Heightened awareness of ovarian cancer in the media provides a great and emphasise the need to diagnose it at an early stage. It also provides a platform for women and their work and raise funds for vital research.

Raise funds Ovarian Cancer Action’s Research Centre at Imperial College Hammersmith undertakes ground-breaking research into the causes of ovarian cancer and its treatment. But this vital work is only made possible by the generosity of our supporters, who work tirelessly to raise money for us. Here are some suggestions of how you and your friends can have fun fundraising for Ovarian Cancer Action during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in March and beyond!

Get active! Sign up for a sporting challenge and raise money for Ovarian Cancer Action. We need runners to

participate in a new, all women half marathon series – The Better Half – being organised by the national Women’s Running Network. It is the UK’s first all-female half marathon series, which is why we are doubly delighted to be one of two beneficiary charities.

CLICK TO GET FIT!

Remember, if you do sign up, you need to select Ovarian Cancer Action as your charity of choice.

CAN WE HELP?

Visit the website of the Women’s Running Network at www.womensrunning network.co.uk for more information about the half marathon series.

Contact Hannah Greenshields at hgreenshields@ovarian. org.uk to find sporting fundraising challenges.

To speak to someone about fundraising for us, or if you would like a copy of our fundraising pack, please call us on 0300 4564704 or email fundraising@ ovarian.org.uk

Celebrating Mums! Mothering Sunday is on 14 March, so celebrate with a Mother’s Day lunch or party for all the mums you know. You could also take part in The Cupcake Break (see page 3) and enjoy morning coffee or afternoon tea by having your cake and helping us beat ovarian cancer!

Mother’s Day cards from Paperchase If you are looking for a lovely Mother’s Day card to send this year, why not buy one of the special cards created for Ovarian Cancer Action by Paperchase? They cost £1.75 each, and 25p from every sale is donated to Ovarian Cancer Action.

Have a Love Women Pamper Party! Our Love Women campaign is all about celebrating women, so why not hold a Love Women Pamper Party during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month? They are a great way to have fun with your girlfriends, and raise funds for Ovarian Cancer Action. Create a salon atmosphere with manicures, face packs and a glass of champagne. Then relax to watch a slushy film from LOVEFiLM.com. If you use the link at www.lovefilm.com /partner/ovariancancer to sign up for a free 30-day trial Ovarian Cancer Action will benefit from a £20 donation!

Oliver Bonas weekend bag This stunning weekend bag from Oliver Bonas would be a glamorous accessory to give your mum – or yourself! In our signature teal colour it will brighten up any outfit. The bag costs £45 and Oliver Bonas will donate a generous £5 to Ovarian Cancer Action for every one purchased. Or take a look at the beautiful teal velvet jewellery roll from Oliver Bonas, which costs £14 and includes a £1 donation to Ovarian Cancer Action. To buy online, or to find your nearest stockist visit www.oliverbonas.com

To find out more about Ovarian Cancer Action, visit www.ovarian.org.uk

F E A T U R E

Working together to achieve excellence in ovarian cancer research In addition to funding its dedicated research centre at Imperial Hammersmith, Ovarian Cancer Action supports research at other centres of excellence through one-off Project Grants. Professor Fran Balkwill is a pioneer. Working on cancer and inflammation, her research has had a major impact in the field. She and her 25-strong team at the Institute of Cancer, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, work in partnership with research groups across Europe, the US and Australia. Professor Balkwill is also involved with all of Ovarian Cancer Action’s international conferences, and is leading the scientific programme at the next meeting in 2011.

Invaluable support Ovarian Cancer Action has worked closely with Professor Balkwill for many years, funding two research projects undertaken by her group that are proving extremely promising. She describes the charity’s support as invaluable, helping the team to attract additional support and collaboration, and ‘reaching the parts that other funding agencies cannot’.

Studying ‘normal’ cells What makes Professor Balkwill’s work different is its focus on the links between cancer and inflammation; and the role played by ‘normal’ cells in ovarian cancer, rather than the malignant or cancerous cells most people think of. The idea that normal cells need to be studied and targeted as much as their malignant counterparts is a relatively recent one, and one that took a while to be accepted. But Professor Balkwill and her team are convinced that it is an essential step on the way to tackling ovarian cancer. A tumour is not just made up of malignant cells, but rather it is ‘rogue tissue’, up to half of which consists of a variety of normal cells brought in and corrupted by the cancer. As a tumour develops

it triggers inflammation, the immune system’s normal response to infection or damage. This results in the release of inflammatory cells and chemicals that are used to pass messages between the cells. In some cancers, including ovarian cancer, this inflammation unfortunately encourages rather than hinders tumour progression – which makes it an important target for therapy.

Professor Fran Balkwill with Dr Thorsten Hagemann

Blocking MIF One of the projects funded by Ovarian Cancer Action, overseen by Professor Balkwill’s colleague Dr Thorsten Hagemann, involves studying a chemical messenger called MIF that is released by immune cells. MIF has many roles, including acting as a recruitment call to immune cells to travel to the site of a tumour; helping tumour cells to invade other areas; and supporting the growth of blood vessels that are essential for the tumour to survive and spread. The support of Ovarian Cancer Action has really kick-started this research, enabling Dr Hagemann to begin a major collaboration with the pharmaceutical industry to develop a drug to block the activity of MIF. He hopes clinical trials for the drug will start in 2011, and early results suggest that it will be relatively easy to give to patients alongside standard chemotherapy without significant complications.

Killer viruses Another project involves collaboration between Professor Balkwill and a group at the Institute of Cancer run by clinician scientist Professor Ian McNeish. This work is based on a slightly different approach to tackling ovarian cancer, this time with oncolytic viruses – viruses that are designed specifically to kill cancer

Professor Fran Balkwill

cells but are harmless to the rest of the body. The teams have been working together to see if they can produce an oncolytic virus that also contains drugs to modify the inflammatory response, delivering them to the tumour site. This would effectively be a ‘double whammy’, combining a virus that kills cancer cells with a biological therapy that targets the unwanted immune response. The research is still at an early stage, but initial findings are promising.

The right treatments for the right patients Professor Balkwill believes that future research on inflammation will also make it possible to distinguish between patients on the basis of their ‘inflammatory profile’, and she is optimistic this will make it easier to tailor treatments to an individual.

‘We’re on the cusp of a real, much deeper understanding of ovarian cancer than we’ve ever had before,’ she says, ‘and by understanding it properly we will be better placed to use the right treatments for the right patients, which is absolutely critical.’ HELP OUR RESEARCH

Donations from supporters and fundraisers are vital to help our research work continue. Please send a donation today, or arrange to make a regular monthly donation to Ovarian Cancer Action. A donation form can be found on the tear off slip at the back of this newsletter.

funding research | raising awareness | giving a voice

F E A T U R E

My story: Helen Jamison I was 27 when my mum, Gill, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Two years later, almost to the day, she died at the age of 55. This is our story. To say the last few years of my life have been a rollercoaster would be an understatement. Since the moment Mum was diagnosed, turning our world upside down, things have never been the same. In that time my family and I have experienced some unbelievably difficult times, yet we have also had some very humbling and special moments. Despite the sadness I carry with me every day, I feel extremely lucky to have known Mum at all, and to have had her shape my life and be my best friend. Mum had been having strange occasional stomach pains and a bit of bloating for a number of months on and off. I can remember once going out for dinner with her and Dad, and for most of the time her being unable to eat very much and hugging her stomach. For a while we’d put it down to the fact that she’d had gynaecological difficulties in the past. We assumed stomach ache was just something she got every now and again and had to put up with; and despite the abdominal symptoms she was still very slim and looked really well.

Just in case Eventually, Mum went to see her gynaecologist who couldn’t find anything wrong. They sent off a couple of blood tests ‘just in case’ but weren’t expecting any problems, so Mum and Dad went on holiday with friends and put it to the back of their minds. While they were away the bombshell was dropped. The hospital called Mum on her mobile to say the results of her blood test – which turned out to be a CA125 – were concerning and she needed to come back for more tests as soon as possible. From that point on our lives were changed forever. Mum immediately had surgery followed by several months of chemotherapy, to which she initially responded very well.

But over the next 18 months the cancer returned twice, and each time the options for treatment were fewer and more gruelling. Towards the end of her life, Mum spent a lengthy period in hospital before my dad, brother and I brought her home to look after her for what would be the final few months.

As unstoppable as ever Even when she was very ill and in a wheelchair, Mum remained unstoppable, astounding the doctors and insisting we went out as a family as much as we could. We took her shopping and to the cinema, went out for champagne, and even hired an open top sports car for the afternoon! She was incredibly strong and dignified the whole time, with an unbelievably positive outlook that gave us all strength and meant we made the most of the time we had together. Her love of life was truly inspirational. I would give anything to have Mum back and to have not experienced the things I have. But it has taught me a valuable lesson – I never take life for granted and I’m determined to follow Mum’s example. Since Mum died it has been difficult to start again. Sometimes I feel I’m in the middle of a life that belongs to someone else, but I refuse to give in, and I never say no to an opportunity any more without a really good reason. I also want to do everything I can to support the work of Ovarian Cancer Action and help improve life for other women with the disease. I know just how important the charity’s research and awareness work is, and I know it will continue to be so until ultimately researchers develop a cure for ovarian cancer.

To find out more about Ovarian Cancer Action, visit www.ovarian.org.uk

Helen with her mum Gill

Helen with her mum, brother and dad

HELP OUR WORK!

Ovarian Cancer Action works in three key areas: funding research, raising awareness, and giving a voice to everyone affected by ovarian cancer. Please get in touch to share your experience or make a donation to help our work – it really will make a difference! A donation form can be found on the tear off slip at the back of this newsletter.

F E A T U R E

Love Women Tribute Funds – a memorable year It is a year since Ovarian Cancer Action launched Love Women Tribute Funds – a new way for our supporters to permanently recognise and honour a loved one. Our supporters often tell us they want to recognise the strength and courage of a relative or friend by raising funds for Ovarian Cancer Action and ensure a better future for others who are affected by the disease. It is this desire to create something positive and permanent that encouraged us to develop our Love Women Tribute Funds – a means of celebrating some very special women. We are delighted that actress Gwyneth Strong has agreed to be the Patron of our Love Women Tribute Funds. Gwyneth lost her mum, Mair, to ovarian cancer, and says: ‘I know just how much it means to families to be able to honour a loved one, and Love Women Tribute Funds are a great way to do something really practical.’

One year on Over the past year, more than 50 Love Women Tribute Funds have been established and raised nearly £55,000 for Ovarian Cancer Action; and every week new Funds are being created. The Funds provide a focal point for family and friends and allow

Peter Reynolds shows patron Gwyneth Strong and her sisters, Catrin and Elian, the new research facilities

you to manage your fundraising in one place. Each Fund has its own web page – a place to share special memories and news, upload photographs, and light a candle. It is easy for people to make donations too, and you can keep a journal of your fundraising plans and successes, and tell everyone how much money you have raised so far.

at the new laboratories of our Research Centre in London.

A permanent tribute

Gwyneth Strong says: ‘I’ll be so proud to see my mum’s name on the Love Women Tribute Wall. Research is vital if we’re going to beat this disease, so I hope many more Ovarian Cancer Action

Once a Love Women Tribute Fund has raised £1,000 for Ovarian Cancer Action, the name of your loved one will be displayed permanently on a Tribute Wall

Designs for the Tribute Wall are being developed at the moment and we expect to unveil the first names on it this summer. Supporters and their families will be invited to attend, and every year there will be an event to unveil new names.

supporters will create Love Women Tribute Funds because they’re a really positive way to honour someone you love.’

At the heart of our work Ovarian Cancer Action’s Head of Fundraising, Laurie Boult, says: ‘All our supporters are incredibly motivated and do amazing things to raise money. Now Love Women Tribute Funds can be at the heart of this – as a wonderful way for people to honour someone they love, and a focal point for their fundraising. SET UP A LOVE WOMEN TRIBUTE FUND!

Eilish Colclough

Lucy Ednie

Diagnosed with ovarian cancer in June 2007, at just 39 years of age, Eilish is doing everything she can to raise awareness of ovarian cancer and funds for research, whilst battling the disease. Eilish’s Love Women Tribute Fund has been set up by her sister, Teresa Connell, who says: ‘So far we’ve raised nearly £3,000, so we’re well on the way to our target of £5,000. Our Fund is a great way to keep everyone up to date with what we’re doing.’

Lucy’s Tribute Fund was set up in her memory by her father and step-mother, Peter and Marina Scott. So far more than £5,500 has been raised for Ovarian Cancer Action. Friends and family have made donations, sold pin badges, held car boot and table top sales, done sponsored runs and aerobathons, and organised auctions and football matches. Peter Scott says: ‘Having a Love Women Tribute Fund has made it easier for people to raise money in Lucy’s memory. She would be so pleased to know what we’ve achieved.’

It couldn’t be easier to set up a Love Women Tribute Fund to honour someone you love. Visit http://lovewomen. tributefunds.com Call Hannah Greenshields on 0300 4564704 Email hgreenshields@ ovarian.org.uk

funding research | raising awareness | giving a voice

F E A T U R E

Love Art raises more than £145,000! Ovarian Cancer Action’s third Love Art auction at BAFTA, sponsored by Coutts, was a runaway success – raising more than £145,000 for our research and awareness work.

Our patron, Gwyneth Strong, with her husband, Jesse Birdsall

Twiggy, with Love Art’s celebrity auctioneer, Catherine Tate

Our reception and auction of contemporary works of art was a glamorous affair, and celebrity guests included the world’s first supermodel, Twiggy, and the comedienne, Catherine Tate.

Setting the scene Allyson Kaye, Ovarian Cancer Action’s Chair, set the scene by introducing the charity’s new film (see page 3). She explained why events like Love Art are so important: ‘The incredible generosity of individuals, gallery owners and artists who have donated works of art to be auctioned tonight is inspiring. ‘Your support makes a real difference to women diagnosed with ovarian cancer – helping us to raise awareness of the symptoms of the disease and improve diagnosis and treatments through research.’

Auctioneers Oliver Barker and Catherine Tate in action

Members of the Love Art Committee

The auction Twiggy launched the art auction with a photograph of herself, which had been taken by Lord Snowdon in 1967. Very few of these images exist worldwide, and as both Twiggy and Lord Snowdon had agreed to sign the picture the successful bidder bought a unique piece of British pop history for an incredible £10,000. Comedienne Catherine Tate then joined forces with Sotheby’s auctioneer and Ovarian Cancer Action supporter, Oliver Barker. Together they were a highly entertaining double act, encouraging and cajoling guests to bid for the remaining lots. (You can read about Oliver’s own fundraising efforts for Ovarian Cancer Action on page 15 of this newsletter.)

To find out more about Ovarian Cancer Action, visit www.ovarian.org.uk

Between them, Oliver and Catherine auctioned 30 contemporary works of art by well known artists – including Henri Matisse, Picasso, Paula Rego, Banksy and Tracey Emin. Photography was a highlight of the evening and two photographs of John Lennon, taken while he was writing his ‘Imagine’ album, were particularly sought after. There was also some very competitive bidding for the chance to have a portrait photograph taken by Gered Mankowitz – one of the greatest

rock photographers of the last 40 years, renowned for his portrait of Jimi Hendrix.

Funds raised In total, the evening raised a staggering £145,000 for Ovarian Cancer Action. ‘The Love Art auction is an amazing event,’ says Allyson Kaye. ‘It’s not just a wonderful evening – each year it raises more funds for our charity. We are so grateful to our sponsor, Coutts, and the organising committee for all their enthusiasm and hard work.

G E T I N V O LV E D !

If art is your passion and you would like to be kept informed about the next Love Art event, or if you would be interested in joining the committee, please contact Laurie Boult at lboult@ovarian.org.uk or call 0300 4564703 for more information.

F U N D R A I S I N G

Treading the boards Loretta Oliver pulled out all the stops to raise awareness and funds for Ovarian Cancer Action in 2009. During the year she arranged and gave 30 awareness presentations to firms in the City of London, explaining the symptoms of ovarian cancer and encouraging women to make their friends and family aware of the symptoms as well. Loretta also raised an incredible £21,000 in support of Ovarian Cancer Action’s research and awareness work. Most notably she organised two remarkable fundraising events with the support of friends and family.

• On 18 October, Loretta and a cast of ex-school friends from St Helen’s School in Northwood, Middlesex, raised the roof at a Victorian Music Hall as well as an impressive £4,000. • On 14 November, Loretta and her friends held a fun-filled event at the funky Prohibition bar and grill in the City and raised more than £23,000! Loretta is a much-valued and fantastic fundraiser for Ovarian Cancer Action and we are all tremendously grateful to her for her continued support.

Thank Frock It’s Friday! – dressing up is the new dressing down Last year when we launched our exciting new partnership with LOVEFiLM.com we also launched a new fundraising campaign – Thank Frock It’s Friday! – a way to celebrate Fridays with work colleagues and raise money for Ovarian Cancer Action. Thank Frock It’s Friday! is the perfect excuse to make the most of your Christmas party frock, or the glittery number you bought in the January sales – it’s also a great way to end a busy week! Before Christmas, the glamorous guys and gals at LOVEFiLM’s head office donned their glad rags for one day and everyone made a donation to Ovarian Cancer Action to take part. The team had a great day and raised over £300.

Sugarbabes and our team at the launch at BAFTA

Head of PR, Fliss White, said, ‘Everyone at LOVEFiLM is very proud to support Ovarian Cancer Action, so we really got into the spirit of dressing up – even the boys! I’d encourage all of Ovarian Cancer Action’s supporters to host a Thank Frock It’s Friday! at their workplace. It’s easy to organise and fantastic fun.’

D R E S S U P F O R O VA R I A N C A N C E R A C T I O N !

Could you host a ‘Thank Frock It’s Friday!’ at work? For more information email Hannah Greenshields at hgreenshields@ovarian.org.uk

Loretta Oliver with her husband Paul

A fundraising idea from Loretta! In 2009 Loretta organised a special Mother’s Day lunch for families at her local ASK restaurant. She encouraged the restaurant to offer a special set menu for £15, which included a £5 donation to Ovarian Cancer Action in the price. Why not ask your favourite local restaurant if they will do the same this Mother’s Day, on 14 March?

Lucky draw! Fourteen lucky supporters have drawn guaranteed places to run the 2010 Virgin London Marathon in aid of Ovarian Cancer Action. This is the first year Ovarian Cancer Action has been given guaranteed places in this worldfamous run. With 13 places up for grabs we were bowled over to receive more than 50 applications, so we had to pull names out of a hat! All our lucky runners will be running in memory or in support of a loved one who has been affected by ovarian cancer, and they are aiming to raise at least £26,000 between them. Our runners are: Lucy Aitkin, Julie Bass, Terence Bird, Jennie Bone, Louise Bradshaw, Kirsty Flockhart, Joe

Hall, David Hart, James Lubbock, Emma Winrow, Madeline Seddon, Jenny Varley and Rob Rhead. We are also delighted to have a further 8 own-place runners who have chosen to raise money for Ovarian Cancer Action. Good luck to Phil Cooper, Eleanor Dittner, George Hall, Hazel Martin, Nicola Moran, Vicky Priest, Susan White, and Emma Williams. Huge thanks to all of you for your support – and good luck!

JOIN OUR TEAM

If you’ve been lucky enough to secure your own place in the official London Marathon ballot then we’d love you to join our running team! Call Hannah Greenshields on 0300 4564704 for more information. SPONSOR ONE OF OUR RUNNERS

Don’t forget, LOVEFiLM.com will donate a whopping £20 to Ovarian Cancer Action if you sign up to a free DVD trial at www.lovefilm.com/partner/ovariancancer

Why not sponsor one of our runners to give them some extra encouragement? Call Hannah Greenshields on 0300 4564704 to find out more, or email her at hgreenshields@ovarian.org.uk

funding research | raising awareness | giving a voice

F U N D R A I S I N G

Fantastic fundraisers £29,078 – a new high! The Freemasons’ Grand Charity supporting Ovarian Cancer Action As previously reported, The Freemasons’ Grand Charity, a charity funded by Freemasons and their families, is supporting Ovarian Cancer Action with a grant of £1 million over the next five years. Last October Peter Reynolds and Hannah Greenshields attended the General Meeting of the Grand Charity to thank Freemasons and their wives for their vital support. Peter Reynolds comments: ‘It was a real pleasure to be given the opportunity to thank Freemasons and their families for the leadership they have shown in supporting ovarian cancer research and awareness with such a substantial grant. We also enjoyed meeting all those who visited our stand to pick up awareness leaflets to give to their families and friends.’

As well as kindly donating his services to be our auctioneer at Love Art (see page 13), Oliver Barker climbed Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest mountain, in memory of his mother-in-law, Fran Gillingham. Starting just above sea-level, and rising nearly 6,000m to the summit, Kilimanjaro is not for the faint-hearted – yet Oliver completed his challenge and raised nearly £30,000 for Ovarian Cancer Action in the process! Oliver said, ‘The challenge of my climb was nothing compared to the challenges and adversity Fran faced during her struggle with ovarian cancer. She battled this terrible disease valiantly for 18 months but sadly lost her fight last year.’

Oliver Bar

ker

We would like to thank and congratulate Oliver on his wonderful tribute to Fran. _____________________________________________________________________________________________

Topping the bill Jean Statham has been living with ovarian cancer for two years and in appreciation of all the help, care and support she has received, decided to stage a fun ABBA evening for Ovarian Cancer Action. The sparkling event was attended by 200 people and kicked off with live music, followed by comedy. Then, topping the bill was Jean’s very own ABBA tribute act.

Jean’s AB BA fun

The evening raised a whopping £4,600 – well done Jean, and thank you! _____________________________________________________________________________________________

Trick or Treat! After having treatment for ovarian cancer, Kay Milroy decided to do something a little different to raise funds and awareness for Ovarian Cancer Action. She organised a Halloween trek! Kay and her pals got into costume and took to the streets on 31 October to raise more than £600. She says, ‘I’ve been one of the lucky ones. If my fundraising helps even one more woman it will be worthwhile.’

Kay

Milr oy a n

d fri end s!

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GET IN TOUCH!

Supporters of Ovarian Cancer Action do some truly amazing things to raise money for us, but often we only hear about it when a cheque arrives in our office. We’d love to include your stories and photographs in our newsletter, so do get in touch and tell us about your plans! Email hgreenshields@ovarian.org.uk or call 0300 4564704

Thank you! To all our fantastic fundraisers: Kirsty and Rory Aldritt, All Aboard Shops Ltd, Judie Becque and Moira Hancock, Laura Bincham, Celia Bingham, Reba Cast, CDP Print Management, Bob Davies, Gillian Geates, Ali and Helen Greenhalgh, Graham and Ruth Heyes, Carolyne Hill, Janet Houghton and Peter Bailey, Dhaminder Hundal, Helen Hussain, Rachelle Jackson, Cara Jordan and Paula Newell, Peter Kee, Sam Kirby, Dharma Laloobhai, Lynn Leeburn, Caroline McKay, Julie Palmer (South Kyme Golf Club), Sophie Postlethwaite, Laura Ritchie, Sir Samuel Scott of Yews Trust, Ian Spires, Nicky Tucker, Ffion and Rhodri Vickers, Jennifer Winters, Ruth Yates, YOGI Charitable Trust.

To find out more about Ovarian Cancer Action, visit www.ovarian.org.uk

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