My fundraising for Ovacome commenced in December 2020 when I started to lose my hair after receiving my first chemo.  I filmed myself shaving my head, put it on social media and watched the donations on my Just Giving page go up and up.  Including gift aid, the total raised was £4508.

In May 2021 I held a Tropic Skincare fundraiser, a raffle and submitted a commemorative bottle of whisky to be auctioned at a specialist auction house, Whisky Hammer. The total amount raised, including private donations, was £3404.

I would like to give a huge thank you to everyone who has contributed to my fundraisers and those who have privately donated.

Although I’m not actively fundraising right now, I’ve asked for this page to be left open for any little bits and pieces of donations that I hope will continue coming in.

A little about me and why I'm fundraising for Ovacome:

I started using the services of Ovacome in September 2020 when I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. My journey started with being told that I was being given treatment with curative intent but this changed in February 2021 when I was told I was platinum resistant, meaning I was non-responsive to treatment, and my life expectancy was 12 - 18 months. Ovacome have been with me since the start but never did I need their services more than when I received my updated prognosis. They have never failed to be there for me, in particular the peer support group, and for that I will be eternally grateful.

Fast forward to January 2022 and I’m pleased to say that I’m still doing well.

A little information about Ovacome:

Ovacome provides a range of support services for those affected by ovarian cancer. This includes the family and friends of those diagnosed, as well as those who might be at higher risk of the disease because of their family history. Ovacome also work closely with doctors and other clinicians to ensure that those diagnosed are given the most up-to-date information to help them navigate their treatment and care.

Ovacome is also a community for anyone affected by ovarian cancer, meaning that the charity provides groups and events where people can meet others in similar circumstances, to share advice and offer each other encouragement along the way.

Every donation to Ovacome goes towards creating new services to support all those affected by this less common cancer. Any amount that you feel able to give could make a huge difference to the life of someone going through diagnosis and treatment at the moment.

It would mean a lot to me if you could share this fundraising page with your friends and family, as well as on your social media.

I want to support Ovacome so they can do more for those affected by this disease, but I need your help to do so.

Thank you so much.

Gillian

Gillian Esson