Longstanding Ovacome fundraiser Craig McMurrough AKA ‘Mr Ovary’ set to receive prestigious award
One of Ovacome’s longstanding fundraisers, Craig McMurrough, is set to be awarded the highly regarded British Citizen’s Award (BCA) for his services to healthcare. The award is granted to individuals who have made a significant contribution to healthcare in the UK, which includes promoting healthcare, improving health awareness, or providing innovative approaches to healthcare education.
Craig, who is from Warwickshire, started raising money for the UK’s ovarian cancer support charity Ovacome back in 2016, after sadly losing his sister Cheryl to ovarian cancer in the same year. Craig recalled being determined to do something to offset some of his grief and sense of loss; and discovered Ovacome after doing further research about ovarian cancer.
Craig has since raised close to £100,000 for Ovacome, helping to sustain Ovacome's vital support services, and raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of the disease across the UK
To date, Craig, alongside his friend Sarah, have completed several London Marathons, over 100 half-marathons, and Craig has also climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in 2018, all in aid of Ovacome. If the physicality of these challenges wasn't already enough, the pair have become famous for dressing as 'Mr and Mrs Ovary', which involves wearing giant ovary costumes while undertaking the challenges to draw attention and start conversations about ovarian cancer.
Alongside these physical endeavours, Craig tirelessly shares vital information about the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer through a variety of media formats, highlighting the importance of early detection and awareness.
Speaking about this award and his fundraising achievements, Craig said:
“It's such an honour to be recognised in this way, I'm really thrilled to receive this award and look forward to many more miles on the road with Mrs Ovary!”
Ovacome’s Community and Challenge Fundraising Manager, Imo Simmonds, also commented on Craig’s award, saying:
“We are incredibly proud of Craig who has been a dedicated fundraiser and tireless advocate for ovarian cancer awareness for nearly a decade. It’s wonderful to see his commitment and hard work recognised with this prestigious award. Through his unique approach as Mr Ovary, Craig’s warmth, energy and determination have enabled him to engage new communities and spark vital conversations about the disease wherever he goes. He has raised over £80,000 in support of Ovacome’s life-changing services through his incredible series of running challenges, helping to ensure that anyone affected by ovarian cancer can continue to access the information and support they need.”
