Lorraine Kelly

Lorraine Kelly, 48, tells us why she's supporting the Eve Appeal, which combats ovarian cancer

My first contact with ovarian cancer came some years ago when I interviewed Michael Ball, whose partner is Cathy McGowan. Her sister-in-law had died from ovarian cancer and I remember being shocked by the nature of the disease. So often there are no symptoms until it's too late.

When The Eve Appeal got in touch they told me that ovarian cancer and, in fact, all gynaecological cancers didn't have the same awareness as some other cancers. I'd like to help change that. When I started in TV, 25 years ago, we didn't talk about cancer. Thank goodness, we've come a long way since then.

We all know someone who has been affected by cancer. I lost my grandmother to breast cancer 15 years ago. She didn't go for help even when she knew something was wrong. I still think maybe if she had gone early enough, she might be here now.

Now we can talk about this cancer openly and we know that we should examine our breasts and what signs to look for. I want to help create the same awareness around ovarian cancer and the research towards a screening programme.

Often ovarian cancer has no symptoms until it's too late, but I have been inspired and moved by the amazing women I've met through The Eve Appeal who have faced this cancer. Many said they felt under the weather or had cramps, but they were too busy to go to the doctor. They were all at the stage in their lives where they should have been enjoying themselves, but instead, they were having to deal with this horrendous disease.

We want people to be aware and not be afraid to go to the doctor if they feel something is wrong. Ovarian cancer doesn't have to be a death sentence. Detect it quickly and you have a good chance; that's all any of us can hope for.

Your tea party doesn't have to take up a lot of time and it can be as small or as big as you want. It could just be you and a few friends, a smarter Champagne tea or you could hire a hall and sell cakes.

Whether you raise a pound or hundreds of pounds, it doesn't matter. The Eve Appeal will be very grateful.

Download your fundraising pack and help The Eve Appeal to reach its £100,000 target.

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Download and print out our tea party invitation

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