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I'm a model for Touch of Teal 2026

Touch of Teal Models 2026

Our Group/Family

I'm a model at Touch of Teal 2026!

In January 24' I returned from a trip to Costa Rica and had IBS type symptoms which I thought maybe due to a parasite I had picked up. 

I had various tests done by a Gastroenterologist which came back clear despite my worsening symptoms:  painful distended abdomen, debilitating fatigue & change in bowel habits. I run my own ballet school and I was finding it increasingly difficult to dance and teach which was out of character as I'm usually fit & healthy. 

I insisted that I needed a CT scan on my abdomen which my Gastroenterologist thought unnecessary... I am glad I stuck to my guns.
The shock to find out it wasn't in fact gastro related but stage 3c high grade serous Ovarian Cancer was beyond comprehension at the time. The tumours had spread to most of my organs so when I was finally put in touch with Gynae team I started the ball rolling for the treatment plan. I was to have a 'chemo sandwich' which didn't sound very palatable..! This involved gruelling weekly chemo, followed by debulking surgery by Christina Fotopoulou (who is a 'miracle worker')! I finished with a further course of chemo. 

To complicate matters I found out I was carrying the BRCA 1 gene which I found very difficult to process on top of my illness & the family implications. 

Overnight I lost my health and I had to stop teaching for well over a year which I found incredibly hard. My identity felt lost..

I decided from the start of this 'journey' not to ask 'why me' and being a positive 'glass half full' kind of a girl I found ways of coping as best I could. Intuitively I decided not to approach it as a 'fight' with Cancer but to be like a surfer, navigating the waves of the disease. I found insights from Buddhism finding acceptance which didn't mean giving in to it but learning intuitively not to 'fight' it as I knew it would only make it harder. 

Without the love, support and consistent help of my super hero hubby, Mark, my amazing family, friends & pupils I can't quite imagine how I would have coped. 

Life post major treatment is very different but in so many ways I feel enriched and without sounding like a 'cliche' I am grateful for every day. I am back teaching but only a few classes as physically I have been left with issues but my pupils have been so understanding and I do what I can.

As a Touch of Teal model 2026, I'm raising funds for Ovacome, the national UK charity focused on providing support and information to anyone affected by this disease. Ovacome is a strong community for those who have been diagnosed, those who think that they might be at risk, friends and family, and healthcare professionals.

Ovacome’s specialist support team is there to help those living with ovarian cancer navigate their treatment, care and life beyond the disease through the charity’s telephone support line, email, and 24-hour forum. Ovacome also hosts online and in-person groups, workshops, and events where people affected can meet others in similar circumstances, share advice, make friends, and offer encouragement to one another in a safe environment.

Ovacome receives no government funding and so relies on its donors and support and resources they need. Any amount you feel able to give could have a huge impact on the experience of someone facing a diagnosis.

This September, during Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month, I'm taking centre stage on the Touch of Teal catwalk as someone with an ovarian cancer diagnosis. It would mean a lot to me if you could share my fundraising page with your friends, family, colleagues and on your social media in the lead-up to the big day. 

Thank you to all my family, friends and all the medical professionals who got me well again, I'm humbled and grateful beyond words. 

Fi 

xxx

Please Help Me
Reach My Goal

Raised

£1,840 + £245 GiftAid

My Goal

£4,000

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My Achievements

Created fundraising page

Donated to my own page

Shared my page link

Added a profile picture

Added a blog post

£100 raised

£500 raised

£1000 raised

10 supporters donated

25 supporters donated

Increased original target

Thank you to my Sponsors

£100

Paola Haskey

Thank you Fiona for being who you are: a brilliant teacher and a beautiful human xxx

£25

Jackie Edmonds

Truly awesome and inspirational Fi!!! I look forward to meeting you at your Afternoon Tea 🌸 Very Best Wishes Jackie

£25

Val Dell

You are amazing and inspirational to others in Coleshill Lane

£100

Margaret Kilcoyne

£25

Gaynor Lam

Have a wonderful time ‘Modelling in Mayfair!! ‘ Have a fab time and enjoy Fiona!! Love Gaynor xx

£25

Lisa Plumridge

Well done, Fi. What an example you are to all of us. Looking forward to your tea party and raising further funds for Ovacome xxx

£20

Anonymous

Fiona, enjoy your day with Ovacome. I'm sure it will be a with lots of emotions but a wonderful experience too . Thank you too for inspirational teaching, it's an honour to share your joy of ballet, dance and life x

£10

Polls Dysterre-clark

£50

Cassie Berezai

Fiona, you are truly amazing and such an inspiration, enjoy your catwalk moment!

£10

Nat Williams

£50

Heather Prestwich

Full of admiration for your resilience and your commitment to the cause, Fi. Much love xx

£100

Pamela Needham

well done Fiona

£50

Lara Lingham

You are amazing Fi! Enjoy your modeling, sending huge amounts of love ❤️ Lara, Martin, Hannah & Pippa xxxx

£50

Judy Kirk

Happy to support such a wonderful event and sending lots of love for your continued recovery - your ballet classes give us as much courage and strength (and quite a few giggly moments) as I hope we give you! xxx

£50

Denise

£25

Mary Rivett

Fiona, you are amazing and an inspiration to us all. Xxx

£25

Susan Treagus

£25

Sue

What a brave soul you have been Fiona.....incredible! Bless you! I am pleased to be able to support

£75

Eleni Johnston

For all the good work that you do.

£100

Anonymous

£200

E Cahill

£100

Siobain Fisher

Fiona- hearing your journey with your Own beautiful emotional words left me humbled and in awe. You are beautiful ❤️

£100

Elaine Grotefeld

Love this idea and that you are taking part, Fi x

£50

Mary Jong

£20

Jess M

Beautiful words Fi xx

£25

Ollie Stoller

£200

Mark's Donation

£200

Fiona Grotefeld

£5

Anonymous

Thank you so much for fundraising for Ovacome

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