A local charity founded in memory of a popular BBC broadcaster has called on Salford residents to fundraise to help raise awareness of ovarian cancer symptoms in the North West.
The Dianne Oxberry Trust, founded in 2019 following the death of the long-serving BBC presenter, has challenged people to set themselves a walking or running challenge and pledge to raise £60 in sponsorship.
Jo Rosenberg, chair of the charity and friend of Dianne, explained: “£60 is hopefully a really manageable amount for people to try and raise but it’s a figure that could help us reach a massive 1,000 people about the symptoms of ovarian cancer.
“Whether people want to gather a group of friends for a one-off run, set themselves a target of a number of steps, kilometres or miles, walk the dog, or reach the next stage of Couch to 5k, it’s up to them.
“Any running or walking challenge goes, and we’re hoping people will really put their heart (and sole!) into it.”
The Dianne Oxberry Trust raises awareness of the symptoms to look out for to help improve early diagnosis and outcomes.
The popular broadcaster died just ten days after being diagnosed, and her friends and family, who launched the charity, know first-hand the vital importance of recognising the signs and symptoms and taking prompt action to save lives.
Following Dianne’s death, her friends, family and colleagues opened a rose garden in her memory in Media City.
It was hoped that the garden would help to raise awareness of ovarian cancer, a disease often diagnosed late because its symptoms can be easily missed.
Jo highlighted the alarming number of people passing away from ovarian cancer in the region.
“With latest statistics showing that one person dies of ovarian cancer every two hours, and that prevalence is up to 22 per cent higher in some parts of our region than the rest of the country, the time for raising awareness of the symptoms to look out for has never been more important,” she said.
“Striding out for DOT and pledging to raise just £60 really will make such a difference as we try and reach as many people as possible locally with our Spread the Word campaign.
“If diagnosed in its earliest stages, more than 90 per cent of women will survive for at least five years, so it’s incredibly important that we continue to shout from the rooftops to ensure people know what to look out for and when to see their GP. But we can only do that with the help and kindness of local people.”
In May, the charity highlighted that residents in the North West are 25 per cent more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than the rest of the UK and more people are living with cancer in the region.
The Diane Oxberry Trust raises awareness of the symptoms via a range of outreach activities in the local community, using its Spread the Word campaign with its handy acronym:
Weeing more often
Overly bloated feeling
Reduced appetite or feeling full more quickly
Dull ache or pain in the pelvis or tummy
“Please sign up to take part this summer at a time that suits you. It will make such a difference – even a challenge that takes just an hour or two could literally save someone’s life. That’s certainly motivation to get up and try.”
More information on how you can get involved with fundraising for the charity can be found here.
