Tina Smith

I'm fundraising for Ovacome.

Can you help me make a real difference to the ovarian cancer community?

As a Touch of Teal model 2025, 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. 

In late December 2015, I started suffering with severe stomach pains, vomiting and hot sweats - an ambulance was called to pick me up. I went through a series of tests and nothing was identified until September 2016, where I was then diagnosed with Endometrial cancer. I was admitted to Kings College Hospital to have an operation and I was discharged on New Years Day 2017. 

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 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 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. Your donations and support would be greatly appreciated.