Meet Charlotte
28 August 2025
Our new trustee is a local GP who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Read more about her now...
Did you know that our trustees are volunteers?
They all believe passionately in our mission and the vision for a future where no-one in the North West dies from ovarian cancer.
Here, we meet Charlotte, our newest trustee who tells us more about her work as a GP locally, and also about her own experience with ovarian cancer.,,
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?
I’m a GP working in North Manchester and living in Liverpool, with a special interest in women’s health and the early diagnosis of cancer.
In 2021, at the age of 31, I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer myself - a life-changing moment that has shaped both my personal and professional journey.
Since then, I’ve become a mum to my miracle baby girl, Annabelle, and I’m now expecting a baby boy.
Alongside my clinical work, I hold a role working with the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance on improving the early diagnosis of gynaecological cancer, and I have spent the last few years leading ovarian cancer education and awareness work across the UK.
What inspired you to get involved with our charity?
The Dianne Oxberry Trust's mission really resonates with me, not only because of my own cancer experience, but because I have come to see how powerful awareness and early diagnosis can be.
I was clinical lead for the This Van Can campaign and was lucky to meet Jo, Sylvia and Claire from the charity through this project.
I was honoured to be asked to become a trustee.
It felt like the perfect way to continue the work I care so deeply about, while honouring Dianne’s legacy and helping to make a real difference across the North West.
Why do you think it’s important to raise awareness of the symptoms and signs of ovarian cancer across the North West?
Because too many women are diagnosed late and it doesn’t have to be that way.
We know that if ovarian cancer is caught at the earliest stage, 93% of women will survive for at least five years. Yet in the UK, one woman dies of the disease every two hours.
Awareness saves lives.
It empowers women to speak up, helps GPs to listen and act, and gives us the best chance of catching this disease early.
The North West is where I live, work, and received my own diagnosis and treatment, so I’m passionate about making sure people in our region have access to the knowledge, support and care they need.
Why do you think it’s important people see their GP if there’s something they’re worried about or if they’re having symptoms that aren’t usual for them?
Because you know your body better than anyone else.
If something doesn’t feel right, even if it seems small or you’re not sure it’s worth mentioning, it’s always better to get it checked.
As a GP, I’d much rather see someone and reassure them than miss the chance to catch something early.
And as someone who’s been through it myself, I know just how crucial that GP appointment can be.
I was diagnosed early, and for me, that early diagnosis made all the difference.
Trust your instincts and never be afraid to ask for help.
What are you most excited about now you’ve joined the Dianne Oxberry Trust as a trustee?
I’m excited to be part of a team that is so committed, compassionate, and community-focused.
The work our charity is doing to raise awareness in innovative, engaging ways is already having an impact, and I’m looking forward to bringing my lived experience, clinical perspective, and background in education to help shape the next chapter of that work.
What are three things people would be surprised to know about you?
- I’m a qualified fitness instructor and particularly love teaching Zumba classes. I teach at my local Nuffield and David Lloyd gyms! I’m a big believer in the power of exercise to maintain health, prevent disease, manage symptoms, and support post-treatment recovery.
- I’ve spoken in Parliament several times as part of campaigns to improve ovarian cancer diagnosis and care and menopause care.
- I have a real love of languages and linguistics. I speak several languages and am always keen to learn more!
What things do you like to do in our region when you’re not working?
I really enjoy family days out. We love trips to Formby Beach or exploring National Trust places like Speke Hall.
I’m always on the lookout for new restaurants, coffee shops, and bakeries to try, and I love catching up with friends for walks around Sefton Park.
I enjoy staying active, and aside from Zumba, I practise yoga regularly and I’m currently really enjoying pregnancy yoga.
I’m also a big musical theatre fan and I love live music — concerts at Anfield Stadium are always a highlight.
What would you say to people thinking of supporting the Dianne Oxberry Trust, either by fundraising or by spreading the word to raise awareness about ovarian cancer?
Please do. Your support really makes a difference.
Whether you’re running a fundraising event, sharing a post on social media, or simply sharing the word about the symptoms of ovarian cancer, you’re helping to save lives.
Awareness leads to earlier diagnosis, and early diagnosis gives women the best chance of survival.
The Dianne Oxberry Trust is working hard to honour Dianne’s legacy and help improve things for others across the region, and every single person who gets involved becomes part of that mission.
Thank you.
