Give us a kiss this Christmas!
13 November 2025
Pucker up and share the love to help raise awareness of ovarian cancer
As you may know, our charity was founded following the tragic death of our wonderful friend Dianne Oxberry who died from ovarian cancer in January 2019. She was a much-loved TV and radio broadcaster and we miss her deeply every day.
This Christmas, in her memory, we're calling for people across the North West to pucker up to help save lives.
Our latest appeal, Merry Kiss-mas, has been launched in the hope of raising much-needed funds, and aims to spread the word about the symptoms of ovarian cancer and help improve prognosis for people in the North West.
Jo Rosenberg, our chair of trustees, said: “Christmas is a time for being surrounded by loved ones and making memories together but, tragically, there are too many families locally who, like Dianne’s, aren’t able to do that this year.
“Dianne was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and died just ten days later, but with earlier recognition of the symptoms leading to earlier diagnosis the prognosis for people can be much improved.
"That’s why we’re on a mission to spread the word about what to look out for and why we have such an ambitious vision which is for a future where no-one in the North West dies from ovarian cancer.
“So, in the run up to the festive season, we’re asking you to say a big happy kiss-mas to the one you love.
"That could be someone who knows you love them, someone you’ve loved and lost, or even a mystery someone that you’d be keen to meet under the mistletoe this year.
“Or, you could be passionate about spreading the word and saving lives in our brilliant region and want to send a special kiss to show your support and solidarity.
“Whatever your motivation, it’s really simple to join in. We have a special online Christmas tree where you can dedicate your kiss-mas bauble to the one you love and leave a message. You can then share it if you wish.
“And, most importantly, the money raised from donations means we can continue to kiss and tell…more people about the symptoms of ovarian cancer.
"Please pucker up and join us. We’d be really, really grateful and it could make such a huge difference. It could even ensure more families have more time together for future Christmases and beyond too.”
We've been spreading the word about the symptoms of ovarian cancer for the last few years, using the acronym WORD.
Jo added: “Dianne was a friend who always made me smile and laugh out loud and she would love this colourful Christmas appeal.
"It’s a bit cheeky and really bright and colourful like her personality and we really want to have some fun with it and hope lots of people across the North West want to take part too.
“It’s so simple but could have such a big impact. Please do join us. And don’t stay tight-lipped. Spread the word in Dianne’s honour!”
Businesses or other organisations are also encouraged to say a big happy kiss-mas to their customers, perhaps by dedicating a kiss-mas bauble in lieu of Christmas cards or Secret Santa this year.
To send a Merry Kiss-mas wish to someone you love, visit www.dianneoxberrytrust.org/kissmas
