Growth and ambition...
03 April 2025
Jo, our chair of trustees, on her friendship with Dianne and why we do what we do.
We're a small charity run mainly by volunteers but we have big ambitions.
We want to see a future where families in the North West have more time together than Dianne's had - which is why we're so loud and proud about spreading the word about the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer.
Here, Jo Rosenberg, our chair of trustees, tells us more about what is coming up for the Dianne Oxberry Trust and her friendship with Dianne too...
How did you get involved with the Dianne Oxberry Trust?
When Dianne passed away in 2019, her husband Ian, alongside myself and other close friends, set up a charity in her name to raise awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer so that more people touched by this horrible disease, could have more time with their loved ones than Dianne had with hers.
I witnessed first hand the painful grief that Dianne’s family went through. She was a mum, a wife and a brilliant friend and it is an honour to have been involved with the charity since the very beginning.
How did you know Dianne?
I first met Dianne on our local dog field. I had a new puppy and Dianne had two beautiful golden retrievers called Sam and Lucy. We’d do a few quick laps of the field in the morning, put the world to rights, then meet up later on in the day for a second walk before she hot-footed it over to MediaCity to do her day job! Our kids also had a shared interest in horses and we soon became firm friends.
Do you have any particular memories of her you could share?
Dianne was hilarious, what you saw was what you got.
Her no nonsense approach was highly infectious, not to mention her abundant energy. There was always a project on the go, whether it was sanding the front door, painting the hall, a new kitten, a horse to muck out, or sourcing flights to Florida, all the makings of a wonderful human being who grabbed life with both hands and who I had the privilege of spending time with.
What does your role as chair of the charity involve?
My role as chair is to act as the primary decision maker and be the driving force behind the charity’s mission; to raise awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer across the North West. Part of my role is to oversee the development and implementation of the charity's long-term strategic vision and goals. I’m so excited to take the charity to the next level and reach even more people.
Why is the work of the Dianne Oxberry Trust so important?
We save lives. It's that simple. We hear from people who have been putting off going to see their GP because they assume their symptoms might be down to menopause, irritable bowel syndrome or constipation. Thanks to the Dianne Oxberry Trust, many of these women have seen their GP, had an early diagnosis and been put on a treatment path with a positive outcome. They got more time with their loved ones.
Why is the Dianne Oxberry Trust’s work focussed on the North West?
Dianne was a well-loved BBC weather presenter who made a lasting impact on the North West.
We're a small charity with big ambitions and we want to honour her legacy by making a difference in the region she loved and called home.
What’s your ambition for the charity?
I'm really excited to take the charity to the next level. By continuing to build strong relationships with our donors, beneficiaries, and the wider community, we aim to create even greater impact.
Together, we can really make a difference and achieve even more.
We may be a small charity, but we have passion and dedication and we will continue to keep pushing forward and punching way above our weight.
How can people get involved and help?
In any way they can!
From organising simple fundraising events such as cake sales and sponsored walks to sharing their stories about themselves or their loved ones who have been touched by ovarian cancer.
We want to continue to spread the word about the early symptoms and the importance of early diagnosis. We can only do that with the help of our supporters. Every penny donated or minute of time given is extremely precious and incredibly appreciated. Drop us an email at info@dianneoxberrytrust.org if you have any ideas - we would love to hear from you.
What three words would you use to sum up your hopes for this coming year at the Dianne Oxberry Trust?
Growth, ambition, excitement...
