My Story

I completed my first Swim Serpentine in 2021 as a challenge to myself. Swimming that mile as part of a formal event with hundreds of other swimmers was an exhilarating challenge and I wanted a distance to really challenge me the next time.

That distance is two miles, the furthest I've taken on, and when I knew that it would take place on a significant date, I knew I had to fundraise for Ovarian Cancer Action. On 16th September 2021, two days before that first swim, Kathryn Burke passed away from ovarian cancer. 

I didn’t know Kathryn for anywhere near as long as we deserved, but she came into my life through my incredible friend Jenni, and I couldn’t be more grateful that she did. Kathryn was Jenni’s partner until the end and watching their relationship grow and watching Jenni find happiness was an absolute joy. I couldn't wait to see more. 

Unfortunately, I also saw the effect that ovarian cancer had not just on Kathryn as she fought the illness for two years, but the effect it had on Jenni and those around her. To find and lose the love of her life in such a short space of time is cruel and unfair, but I know we’re all grateful for the time we did have.

Symptoms of ovarian cancer are common and misdiagnosed, so correct diagnosis often comes late when the cancer is harder to treat. In fact, less than half of people diagnosed with ovarian cancer in England and Wales survive for five years or more. This is compared with an almost 9 in 10 survival rate for people diagnosed with breast or prostate cancer. Ovarian cancer is under researched, underfunded, and awareness is low.

That’s why, since we lost Kathryn, Jenni has supported Ovarian Cancer Action. They are focused on research and make sure that every penny they invest helps transform how well and how long people will live after diagnosis. Anything you can give will help even more breakthroughs so that fewer people have to watch their friends and loved ones go through what we have.

Thanks for your support, and thanks for reading.