Our Group/Family
I am raising funds for Ovacome and would love your help too !
By making a donation you will help Ovacome offer a lifeline to support those affected by ovarian cancer in their time of need.
This September, during Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month, I'll be one of twelve models on the Touch of Teal catwalk. It is an annual awareness-raising fashion show that helps to shine a powerful light on often-missed symptoms of ovarian cancer and inspire early detection. Cancer doesn’t have to define who we are or what we can achieve. Preparing for Touch of Teal with eleven other inspiring ladies has brought laughter, joy, purpose and collective hope for the future - my additional hope is that we can create awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer and inspire others through our stories. At Touch of Teal we’ll probably be wearing heels, possibly emotional, and definitely very proud !!
My Story:
I was diagnosed with Stage 3C High Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer (HGSOC) in February 2024. I didn’t have any of the classic BEAT symptoms, have a very healthy lifestyle and probably wouldn’t be considered as an obvious risk for ovarian cancer. Having had breast cancer in 2011, I certainly didn’t think I would have another experience of a major cancer in my lifetime! So, when I experienced a small niggling pain in my lower left abdomen, I wasn’t expecting anything too serious. Unfortunately, my GP was not particularly proactive, so I will be forever grateful that I know my own body and realised something was not right. I paid for a private blood test which showed my CA125 level was 780 (normal is less than 35), and realised that this fast-growing aggressive cancer had to be dealt with immediately before it could spread further.
After an eight hour major "debulking" surgery and completing chemotherapy in October 2024, I am now classed as NED (no evidence of disease). Currently I'm on maintenance treatment with daily "chemo-lite" tablets and 3 weekly infusions to support my immune system. My previous scare with cancer showed me how truly lucky I am with my wonderful, supportive husband, family and friends. This time has proved no different and I have sometimes been overwhelmed with the kindness and help I have been given. My daughter has been an incredible support for me with research and being involved with various patient forums on my behalf, and has even volunteered with Ovacome in the office. The huge relief we both felt when the negative results came back from the BRCA gene testing was immense and a huge cause for celebration.
The main change in my lifestyle is how tired I now become and, as a normally very active, busy person, this has greatly impacted me and my wellbeing. My surgery scar has healed neatly, and although my body has changed considerably, I am very grateful for what I am still capable of doing physically and hope for a return to more normal energy levels once treatment is finally over.
I have always tried to cultivate a positive attitude and when my consultant said it was my secret weapon in beating ovarian cancer, I knew it was definitely the way to proceed!!
Why Donate ?
Please consider giving a donation if you are able, even small amounts add up and are very welcome!! Ovacome is a lifeline for those of us with ovarian cancer, 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. Early diagnosis can save lives !!
It would mean a lot to me if you could also raise awareness and share my fundraising page with your friends, family, colleagues and on your social media now and throughout September, Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month.
Thank you — for reading, sharing, donating, and being your wonderful selves. I look forward to seeing many friends old and new when I strut my stuff on the catwalk ღஐƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒஐღ
My Achievements
Fundraising page
Updated Profile Pic
Added a Blog Post
Received 5 Donations
Reached Goal
Increased Target
Thank you to my Sponsors
£25
Claire Morrison
£50
Sue Sommers
£50
Monica Acton
Always a 🌟 Annabel. We're so proud of you.
£50
Sarah & Jeremy
What a fantastic amount you’ve raised, and what fun you’ve had doing this event. Your energy and positivity is incredible. Xxx
£30
Sandra Holder
Annabel, I’m so sorry to hear about your diagnosis, but wonderful to hear that you are battling this and winning. What you are doing is amazing, and your positivity is truly inspirational. Wishing you all the very best, Much love, Sandra x
£25
Gill
Well done . Fantastic amount raised.
£50
Gill Heppner
£10
Lin P
£25
Anonymous
£25
Geraldine Stewart
So proud of you Annabel. You are a total inspiration to us all. Sending lots of love xx
£25
Alison Mcsherry
Well done Annabel
£25
Uta And Tim Ellis
❤️
£25
Sheila Spiller
You are an inspiration Annabel, big hugs xxx
£50
Kim Burchell
Will be thinking of you today on the catwalk! Enjoy every minute. Good Luck! With love Kim💕
£75
Chrissie
£10
Ruth Andoh-baxter
Well done Annabel! Your story and beautiful heart are inspirational. 💖
£25
Marie Townley
You’re an inspiration Annabel! I hope you enjoy strutting your stuff, you’ll be amazing xx
£20
Barbara Stoker
Looking forward to supporting you on the cat walk tomorrow Annabel! You are amazing! Much love , Barbara xx
£25
Louise Hails
I’m looking forward to seeing you strut your stuff tomorrow. Its amazing on how you’ve dealt with this horrible disease
£50
Linda And David Myers
With love and best wishes from Linda and David
£30
Susan Nash
Good Luck Annabel, you will be a star!! Sxx
£30
Carol Clarkson
You have coped so well with your diagnosis and treatment Annabel , such an inspiration .
£25
Lyn Jones
£50
Patricia Bidston
£75
Maggie
Kind donation from Maggie from resale of ticket ☆♡☆
£10
Georgie Gosnold
You are so strong, brave and positive Annabel. A real inspiration. I admire you. x
£25
Russell Jackson
Good luck neighbour, from the Jackson’s!
£20
Jacqueline Elkington
£25
Gehane Gordelier
Well done Annabel you are an inspiration Gx
£10
Sandra Allen
You always amaze and inspire us all with your tenacity and resilience…you’ll make a stunning model!! Go Annabel ❤️ Lots of love Sandra xxx
£25
Jenny
What an inspiration you are Annabel! Wishing you all the very best xx
£15
Aileen Xx
You will shine like the superstar you always are 🤩 Enjoy the evening - sorry can’t be there xxx
£25
Annie Smith
❤️
£25
Sue De Quidt
A worthwhile cause and good luck with event
£20
Carole Skates
£30
Susan Holmes
You inspire us all lovely Annabel
£20
Jacqui Davis
Good Luck lovely lady, you are a true inspiration to us all. Much Love. Jacqui xxx
£25
Aline Rogers
Wishing you all the best with the show Annabel. Such an important cause. I know only too well how vague / mild the symptoms of this disease can be and it's so important to raise awareness so that women will seek help early and GPs will take them seriously
£25
Mel Smith
Good luck and God bless Annabel
£10
Anonymous
£25
Kay Smith
You’re an inspiration to us all Annabel Your courage and strength are insurmountable You make me so proud and humbled. Xx
£20
Angela W
🩷
£20
Barbara Warden
Happy to support an amazing lady!
£25
Anonymous
£25
Deidre
You are an inspiration to us all. Have fun at the fashion show.
£15
Anonymous
£30
Sally Davey
Dearest Annabel Looking forward to seeing you light up the catwalk! With lots of love from one of your many cheerleaders! Xxxx
£15
Carole
Ypu are an inspiration Annabel xx
£25
Carol
I so admire your positive attitude Annabel. Enjoy the modelling!
£50
Lesley Heaney
Annabel you are an inspiration. I wish I could be there to cheer for you next Saturday.
£10
Eileen Spiers
Well done Annabel, you are amazing example of positivity.
£10
Ros
Be your fabulous self! X
£10
Barbara Walker
£10
Pauline Willby
Go Annabel, you will be (and are) amazing. Xxx
£25
Sarah Washington
You will be amazing 🤩 Well done for taking this on Annabel xxx
£25
Maureen Carter
Annabel, you are an inspiration. Enjoy the fashion show.
£20
Janet Slark
Well done Annabel and enjoy the modelling. You’re looking fab xx
£25
Esther Daykin
You’re a rockstar Annabel Hill
£15
Jessica Rafter
what a great way to raise awareness! xxx
£25
Phoebe Baker
Looking very glam with all the other ladies. What a wonderful cause ❤️ love pb and jonny
£25
Rachael Cameron
£10
Rebecca Maggs
Your admirer always ❤️
£20
Jo & Guy
Amazing Annabel-no end to your talents!! Good luck with the fundraising and hoping I’ll get a place there to support you. You’re an inspiration. Much love x x
£100
Rosemary Smart
Huge love and such an important cause. I had one ovary removed and am tested regularly as considered at risk. I lost a friend to this last year. Delighted to support you all x
£50
Amanda & Peter
Lovely Annabel, strut your stuff on the catwalk 💃🏻 in those heels 👠 and dazzle them with your beautiful smile 😃
£10
Ed
So proud of you Annabel ~ you will be amazing, with Rockies there to support you 🌟 xx
£25
Sheila Spiller
Am unable to get to see you that day Annabel but sure you will have a lot of support from Rockies who can. Look forward to seeing photos 🥰
£25
Lynne Buttery
You are an amazing women Annabel Hill, so positive and kind. You will very brilliant, so pleased for you. X
£25
Shelagh Flower
You’ll be fabulous as always. Hopefully you’ll raise a great amount for your very special charity
£25
Emma Cronin
You've always been an inspiration Annabel, now even more so! Fabulous to see you're doing so well. Sending love & best wishes xx
£15
Angela
Amazing Annabel! Such wonderful support for you - these charities are simply awesome x
£25
Meg Thiele
£10
Jennie Bedford
You are wonderful Annabel! I’d love to come and see the fashion show, maybe we could sing there for you?! Xx
£100
Annabel
This is the first donation - know it won't be the last !!
Well done Annabel