News

30 September 2025

An amazing supporter who literally went the extra mile to help our charity...

As a charity run primarily by volunteers, we rely on the amazing support and generosity of people from the local community to continue our work.

We simply could do what we do to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer without that support, and we’re really grateful to everyone who chooses to help us in our work.

One amazing supporter that literally went more than the extra mile to do just that is Catherine.  Here, she tells us more about the challenge she took on in aid of the Dianne Oxberry Trust, and why our charity is so important to her…

Can you tell us a bit about yourself please? 

I’m a BBC radio producer, that’s how I got to know Dianne. I was lucky enough to be her producer when she did the breakfast show on BBC Radio Manchester with Eamonn O’Neal around 2007/2008.

It was always so much fun and never a chore being up at the crack of dawn with Dianne and Eamonn. I have so many happy memories of laughing a lot while most people were still in bed.

How did you get involved with the Dianne Oxberry Trust?

I was lucky enough to call Dianne a friend as well as a colleague.

She was funny, generous, supportive and a brilliant broadcaster; such a bright light.

Everybody was devastated when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and incredibly shocked when she died just 10 days later.  I was pleased to be able to raise some money for the charity set up in her memory.

Why do you think our charity is important?

It’s wonderful that this charity set up in her name is helping raise awareness so symptoms of ovarian cancer can be spotted earlier, treatment given and families spared the tragedy of losing a loved one.  

You recently decided to take on a special fundraising challenge for the Dianne Oxberry Trust.  Can you tell us more about what you did and why you chose to do it?

I did the Great North Run. It felt fitting to raise money for the Dianne Oxberry Trust because Dianne was a very proud Geordie, as am I. It’s the one of the reasons we bonded in the first place. I knew that the North East had a special place in her heart and she would approve of me running over the beautiful Tyne Bridge in her memory.

Have you ever done anything like this before?

I have done the Great North Run twice before but I’m 47 now. It’s definitely getting tougher…How did I forget about the hills..the number of them, the intensity, the fact there is constantly one on the horizon?!

How was preparing for the challenge?

I enjoyed the preparation. I started with couch to 5K in January and worked my way up. I’m really proud that I reached the half marathon distance. I want to keep running.

How did you feel on the day?

Really excited, prepared and completely inspired by the brilliant Geordies on the roadside keeping everyone going. The support is just phenomenal.

I got to run through my hometown of Jarrow and see my mam, dad and best mate cheering me on which was wonderful.

What’s the best thing about taking on such an amazing challenge?

I was really touched by the support I received from donors.

Dianne meant so much to so many and people who didn’t know her personally felt like they did. It was great to be able to raise money and feel you are contributing to raising awareness of ovarian cancer in a practical way

What would you say to others considering doing something to help raise money for our charity?

Do it. The Dianne Oxberry Trust is an amazing charity and it could save lives.