I'm a model for Touch of Teal 2026

I'm a model at Touch of Teal 2026!

I was diagnosed in 2023 followng a pain between my ribs. Since finishing my immediate treatment I have learnt to be brave and say yes to more challenges. Being a runway model is up there with the most challenging! 

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 have been important in my pathway providing access  to nurses, wellness days and meeting other similarly affected women.

Ovacome exists to reduce isolation, provide expert information, promote understanding of ovarian cancer and its symptoms, and to support those affected by it in their time of need.  

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  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. These have been invaulable to me.

Ovacome receives no government funding and so relies on its donors and fundraisers to make its life-changing work possible. Your generosity could help someone affected by ovarian cancer access the vital 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 to the stage on the Touch of Teal catwalk as someone living with  ovarian cancer. It would mean a lot 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. Also by talking about the symptoms of bloating, diminshed appetite, change in toileting habits so often misdiagnosed as a UTI or IBS and as in my case pain you may assist in one of your friends/family being diagnosed in a earlier stage. The fullness sensation affected   me after I had been diagnosed.  It was an odd feeling of having eaten the biggest Christmas dinner after only a few mouthfuls. I asked the (male) surgeon the physiology of this as was told 'not to overthink it'. Needless to say he wasn't my surgeon and I was operated on by the incredible Miss Nithya Ratnavelu in Gateshead.