A charity set up in memory of broadcaster, Dianne Oxberry, has launched a 12 month campaign to raise awareness of the symptoms of ovarian campaign.
Spread The Word will target people across the North West, to encourage early detection of symptoms.
“When it comes to ovarian cancer, a speedy diagnosis is vital in terms of improving outcomes for patients. The key to a rapid diagnosis is for people to know the symptoms to look out for, when to go to their GP, and when to push for tests,” explained Ian Hindle, Dianne’s husband.
“We know that everyone is busy, but we’re hoping that this simple campaign where we repeat the key symptoms of this disease over and over again will lead to some recognition and recall that might actually save someone’s life.
“Our aim is to try and give other families in the North West more time than we had with Dianne. She would be so proud of the work that we’re doing I’m sure, and if this campaign can make a difference to the experiences of even one or two local people, then it will be completely worth it.”
Dianne Oxberry died in January 2019, just a few months after being diagnosed with the disease.
“Following Dianne’s sudden and unexpected death we were supported by an incredible outpouring of love and grief from people across the North West. It was an overwhelming response and we decided to harness all of that amazing positive energy to try and salvage something positive from the unthinkably awful situation that ovarian cancer had brought to our lives,” continued Hindle.
“A small group of us, made up of some of Dianne’s closest friends, set up the Dianne Oxberry Trust and we initially used funds donated by generous local people to support vital research and other initiatives to help others diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
“Now, a few years later, our main focus is on raising awareness of the signs and symptoms people should look out for, so that hopefully they can secure faster diagnosis and better outcomes so that other families have more time together than we had with Dianne.
“If you see any of our leaflets, social media posts, media stories or other activity in the coming months, please do share it and help us spread the message far and wide. It really could save your life – or the life of someone close to you.”
The campaign will aim to raise awareness of symptoms and also encourage healthcare professionals to support patients and improve the speed of diagnosis.
