Daisy Dixon, from Ashton, is fundraising for Target Ovarian Cancer in memory of her childhood best friend Johannah.
The 43-year-old is currently in training to run the London Marathon this Sunday, April 21.
“As we approached the anniversary of Jo’s passing, I felt like I needed to channel my grief into something productive that could help other women living with ovarian cancer,” explained Daisy.
“I was thinking about starting to run again and maybe completing a half marathon, but when I researched events that I could do on behalf of Target Ovarian Cancer I saw the London Marathon and thought ‘well, go big or go home!"
If diagnosed at the earliest stage, 9 in 10 women will survive but currently two thirds of women are diagnosed late, when the cancer is harder to treat. Sadly, Johannah was one of those women, diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer after key symptoms were missed.
She was very passionate about helping the charity raise awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer, following her diagnosis.
The persistent bloating she experienced was linked to an existing diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and her fatigue and weight loss was put down to being a busy working mum. In the end, Johannah booked a private ultrasound appointment which was when her diagnosis was confirmed.
The main symptoms of ovarian cancer are persistent bloating, feeling full quickly and/or loss of appetite, pelvic or abdominal pain and needing to wee more urgently or more often than usual.
Daisy said: “Jo quickly became an advocate for raising awareness and helping other women get diagnosed early, that’s how she found Target Ovarian Cancer.
"She loved the charity’s personal approach, having spoken to their specialist nurses on the helpline, and really recognised its desire to educate the public and healthcare professionals on the symptoms of ovarian cancer.”
“The strength Jo showed in wanting to help others whilst dealing with her own diagnosis is my main source of inspiration. She was a one in a billion kind of woman and the pain of her absence is at times unbearable, I've not only lost my best friend but my sister.
"Both the training and the fundraising have given me something to focus on and if my running around London with a giant ovary themed headpiece can help in some way to raise awareness then it's worth it. I know Jo would be proud.”
Money raised for Target Ovarian Cancer will help the charity continue targeting what’s important – symptoms awareness, life-saving early diagnosis, better treatments and support for everyone affected by ovarian cancer.
Rachel Mendez, Events Fundraiser at Target Ovarian Cancer, added: “Symptoms awareness is vital to early diagnosis. By taking on this challenge, Daisy is raising awareness of the devastating impact of this disease if not caught early. We wish Daisy the best of luck and will be there to cheer her on all the way round.”
To make a donation, please visit https://join.targetovariancancer.org.uk/fundraisers/DaisyDixon.
For more information about ovarian cancer visit www.targetovariancancer.org.uk.
Daisy and Jo as teenagers off to Hollywood (left) and as adults (right)
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