News

12 December 2024

Our Merry Kiss-mas campaign is in full swing, with lots of people across the North West dedicating a bauble on Dianne’s tree with a kiss for someone they love.

Here, our chair and friend of Dianne, Eamonn O’Neal, tells us more about why it’s so important…

We’ve been so pleased to see so many people from across the North West and beyond already taking part in our Merry Kiss-mas appeal. Thank you if you’ve already got involved.

If you haven’t seen it yet, we’re asking if you can take a moment or two to send a kiss-mas dedication to someone special via our online tree. 

All dedications made by 16 December at 10am will also be added to physical baubles which can be seen hanging on the special, real kiss-mas tree near to Dianne’s garden in Media City, Salford Quays. 

You can find out more or make a dedication now here: www.dianneoxberrytrust.org/kissmas

I know that everyone reading this knows that charities rely on support from the public and others generously helping their work in order to carry on.

But, as a really small charity run almost entirely by volunteers, that community support is arguably even more powerful for us than most.

That positive support and action from local communities is what has meant we’re able to still be here almost six years after Dianne died. 

The charity was set up in her name after we were overwhelmed by the incredible outpouring of grief and support after she died. 

Ian, Dianne’s husband, was committed to ensuring that this could be channelled into positive action in her name and I’m so proud that we’ve managed to do so much thanks to the kindness of people across the North West.

Our purpose is to improve early diagnosis of ovarian cancer as without that quick action can’t be taken – meaning valuable years that people could have spent with their loved ones are tragically lost.

Every donation this Christmas, whether via a kiss-mas bauble, a one-off or commitment to a regular donation, a gift in lieu of a Secret Santa or Christmas cards, or a business donating as a festive gesture of help for people in their community, makes such a huge difference.

For example, £6 donated could help us reach 100 people about the symptoms of ovarian cancer with our spread the word campaign.  With £60 we could reach 1,000 people, or with £600 a massive £10,000 people.

And at a time of year where, as loved ones of Dianne, we are acutely aware of the importance of spending time with those we care about most, what an incredible difference it would make if we were able to reach someone that then secures an early diagnosis and whose life is ultimately saved.

But, don’t just take my word for the impact that your support this Christmas will have. The comment below received by someone who got in touch about our spread the word campaign speaks more loudly than I could about it:

“It was through this that my friend self diagnosed and got herself to her doctor who then was very prompt organising the tests needed. She is undergoing chemotherapy now. Thank you so much.”

So, thank you so much and, though there are lots of asks of your time and resources at this time of year, please do consider supporting our work if you’re able to.

Thanks a million and have a very happy Christmas.

Eamonn O'Neal, chair of the charity, High Sheriff of Greater Manchester and friend of Dianne