Ovacome receives no government funding and so relies mostly on fundraising and donations from our supporters. We’d like to take a moment to highlight the fantastic efforts of some of Ovacome's magnificent fundraisers whose ingenuity and dedication to supporting our work has been truly outstanding. If you’re looking for a spot of inspiration for your own challenge or fundraising event, look no further! We so appreciate the hard work of everyone who gives their time and energy to our community.

Craig and Sarah, AKA Mr and Ms Ovary

Craig McMurrough and Dr Sarah Fritchley, good friends and ovary costume connoisseurs, have been fundraising staples at Ovacome for the past 7 years. They have been working hard to raise awareness about the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer ever since Craig lost his sister Cheryl to the disease in 2016. Since then, the Royston duo have teamed up again and again to pound the streets of the UK’s cities, taking on a multitude of sponsored running events across the country – including the iconic London Marathon and the Great North and South Runs – and have held public collections in aid of Ovacome’s services wherever they’ve touched down.

 

2023 was another fantastic year of fund and awareness raising for Mr and Ms Ovary. This year alone they have raised a spectacular £4,268 for our services and we couldn’t be more grateful. Reaching new communities and striking up conversations wherever they go, Craig and Sarah’s commitment to informing the British public about the B.E.A.T. signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer and Ovacome’s life-changing work never wavers. “Don’t ignore the signs”, implores Craig, as he encourages anyone experiencing symptoms unusual for them to visit their GP.

In 2022 Craig was awarded the world record for successfully completing the London Marathon whilst wearing our famous giant ovary costume. He was also named winner of the fundraiser category at the BBC Radio Cambridgeshire Make a Difference Awards 2023, in recognition of the years of dedication and support he has shown our community.

“It’s all about awareness isn’t it, that’s what we do it for. Any publicity that we can get for spreading awareness about ovarian cancer is greatly received, it’s such a great opportunity to share the message” – Craig.

Thank you both for your spectacular ongoing support and dedication to our community! You continue to make such a difference to so many.

           

Amit Johal

On Saturday 24 June 2023, Amit Johal and a staggering 160 of his friends and family members took to the slopes of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) – Wales’s highest mountain – to celebrate the life of Raj Johal, a much-loved wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunty, and friend. Amit and his loved ones embarked on this incredible group climb to raise awareness about the unusually aggressive form of Granulosa Cell Tumor (GCT) that Raj was diagnosed with, and to raise essential funds to ensure that Ovacome’s support services remain available to others affected by the disease well into the future.

While the weather was against them, with howling winds and a deluge of rain, the team remained determined, spurring each other on until one by one they made it to the top! For Amit, the challenging conditions only made the event more memorable. Even Raj’s incredible dad, aged 75, pushed through to the summit – he said that Raj’s voice kept him going when his body was telling him to quit.

To date, Amit and his fantastic team of walkers have raised £34,165 for Ovacome’s community! To put that into perspective, this sum could cover the costs for 1 year of our Survivors Teaching Students (STS) and our Enhancing Patient Experience (EPE) programmes. A year’s worth of this training could benefit 1,600+ medical practitioners and their patients!

“Thank you to all those who took part” says Amit, “It means a lot to me and the girls and was emotional at times. It was amazing to see so many people take part wearing T-shirts with Raj’s picture on them. It was a difficult climb, and I’m super proud of everyone. I know Raj was watching us all with a smile and giving us the strength to continue! A fantastic turn out and effort for such a wonderful person who we all miss every day”.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who laced up their boots on 24^th or donated to Raj’s appeal. We felt so much love on the mountain and were really moved by everyone’s kindness and commitment. And they’re not done yet! The Johal family have set themselves the goal of raising a staggering total of £100,000 in Raj’s name. You can help them along in their ambition by donating here.

           

Emma Walker

On Saturday 12 August 2023, Emma Walker corralled a breathtaking 150 friends and family members into walking 20 miles along the stunning costal paths from Whitby and Saltburn in support of our ovarian cancer services and community. In March of this year, Emma was diagnosed with low-grade ovarian cancer and finished her chemotherapy treatment just days before the challenge. She is intent on spreading the word about the disease’s signs and symptoms and on raising the vital funds that allow our team to be there for people diagnosed and their families in their time of need. “This is absolutely vital to me”, says Emma, “hopefully it can give me as much time as possible with my lovely friends, family, partner Jonny and my 2-year-old son Jesse”.

Reflecting on the day, Emma’s friend Francesca remarked "it was the hardest thing I've ever done, both physically and emotionally, but thinking of Emma and the charity kept me going (the free flapjacks at rest points also helped)!”

Emma and her friends raised a sensational £32,847 for Ovacome, enough to cover almost three whole years of regular support for 10 people affected by ovarian cancer. We can’t thank you enough for your hard work and dedication to our cause. The response to Emma’s appeal has been amazing and so moving. In Emma’s words: “If love could save me, I’d be here forever.”

It’s still not too late to donate here.

Phil Soderberg and friends

On Saturday 9 September 2023, one of the hottest days of the year, Phil Soderberg and five of his good friends – Simon, Stuart, Dan, Steve, and Paul – set off from the London Eye to take on the challenge of a lifetime: cycling to Paris’ Eiffel Tower in under 24 hours! They rode in memory of their dear friend Debbie Baldwin. Debbie, a brilliant fundraiser herself, was a passionate advocate of raising awareness about the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer before she died from the disease on 9 September 2021.

Based in Switzerland, the group trained for 10 months in advance of their event, undertaking scenic but strenuous training rides in the Swiss Alps to prepare them for their 250-mile route. Pedalling with a purpose, the team honoured Debbie on her second anniversary with their incredible effort, carrying forward the work she felt so strongly about. Their cycling outfits were in teal and white with Ovacome’s logo emblazoned across their chests. They truly looked the part! The team made it to their destination in a nail-biting 23 hours, 53minutes: “too close for comfort – heat, headwind, diversions! I’m cooked!” remarked Phil at the finish line.

Phil and friends raised a phenomenal £42,622! We can’t thank them and their wonderful supporters enough. The team is now thinking about what challenge they will set themselves for 2024!

           

If you'd like to speak to a member of our friendly fundraising team about taking on a challenge or hosting a community event of your own, please contact [email protected] or call 07767 619462.