Janet Kerr's Fundraiser

I'm fundraising for Ovacome

Who am I? My name is Janet, I’m 61, and I have stage 4 ovarian cancer. Two years after diagnosis, I’m still undergoing treatment, and trying to raise money for Ovacome, the ovarian cancer charity, which has been a lifeline to me.

What am I doing? I am a 2025 model in Ovacome’s Touch of Teal. This means that September will see me on a catwalk with 11 other ladies, in a Mayfair hotel - way out of my comfort zone! It is an annual awareness-raising fashion event that will help to shine a powerful light on often-missed symptoms of ovarian cancer and inspire early detection. The week before, I am also taking part in Sir Chris Hoy’s Tour de 4, a bike ride for stage 4 cancer sufferers - more on that here: [https://gofund.me/274ed9ec]

What’s my story?  In August 2023 I thought I was relatively healthy, cycling 100-mile sportives and open-water swimming. Then a tummy ache and bloating led to the shock diagnosis of advanced ovarian cancer. It had spread to my liver and life quickly shifted from fitness to hospital stays, chemotherapy and sepsis (not recommended!). Early 2024 brought major surgery to remove all visible cancer and after a brief respite over the summer, a scan showed the cancer had returned in my lungs. Despite more chemo, the cancer continued to grow, so in May 2025, I started a clinical trial for a new drug, benefiting from incredible ground breaking research. That treatment is still ongoing - it’s been a rollercoaster but I’m feeling stronger and still standing - wobbly but smiling.

Why donate? Cancer doesn’t have to define who we are or what we can achieve. Preparing for Touch of Teal with 11 inspiring ladies has brought laughter, purpose and hope - my hope is that donations will lead to improved treatments for ovarian cancer, enable earlier detection, and inspire others through our stories.  We’ll probably be in heels, possibly emotional, and definitely proud. I’d love your support on the catwalk.

Please consider giving a small donation if you are able. Ovacome reduces isolation, provides expert information, promotes understanding of ovarian cancer and its symptoms, and supports those affected by it in their time of need. Twenty ladies are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each day in the UK, and 8 of them will be so poorly that they go to A&E before diagnosis, without realising that their symptoms are caused by ovarian cancer. 

If you or a loved one are experiencing bloating (B), changes in eating habits (E), abdominal pain (A) or toilet changes (T) Ovarian Cancer Symptom Diary | Ovacome (it’s really unusual for women over 50 to start experiencing IBS symptoms) go to your GP!   Earlier diagnosis saves lives. 

Thank you — for reading, sharing, donating, and being your wonderful selves!