Who am I? My name is Janet, I’m 61, and I have stage 4 ovarian cancer. Two years after diagnosis, I’m still undergoing treatment. I am keen to raise awareness of the little known symptoms of ovarian cancer and at the same time, I am trying to raise money for Ovacome, the ovarian cancer charity, which has been a lifeline to me.

What am I doing? I am taking on Sir Chris Hoy’s Tour de 4 for stage 4 cancer sufferers. This means that, come September, I will be in Glasgow with my wonderful family, John, Matt and Emma, either cycling outside on my electric bike or in the velodrome on a static bike (health dependent). John, Matt and Emma will be tackling the 90km road route in support. We hope this will raise awareness of ovarian cancer, highlight its often-missed symptoms, and inspire early detection. I’m passionate about trying to reach a wide audience, and the week after, I am a catwalk model in Ovacome’s Touch of Teal fashion show, the annual ovarian cancer awareness raising event at a Mayfair hotel - more on that here [https://www.ovacome.org.uk/fundraiser/janetkerr/touch-of-teal-models-2025].

What’s my story? In August 2023 I thought I was relatively healthy, cycling 100-mile sportives and open-water swimming. Then a tummy ache and bloating led to the shock diagnosis of advanced ovarian cancer. It had spread to my liver and life quickly shifted from fitness to hospital stays, chemotherapy and sepsis (not recommended!). Early 2024 brought major surgery to remove all visible cancer and after a brief respite over the summer, a scan showed the cancer had returned in my lungs. Despite more chemo, the cancer continued to grow, so in May 2025, I started a clinical trial for a new drug, benefiting from incredible ground breaking research. That treatment is still ongoing - it’s been a rollercoaster but I’m feeling stronger and still standing - wobbly but smiling.

Why donate? A cancer diagnosis does not have to define a person’s spirit or limit their aspirations and I believe every rider in Tour de 4 embodies hope. For me, it is hope that donations will lead to improved treatments for ovarian cancer, enable earlier detection, and inspire others not to give up. Who knows what my health will be like in September - it’s impossible to plan with this disease, but I will be there with my bike and I’d love your support.

Please consider giving a small donation if you are able but more importantly, be aware of the symptoms of ovarian cancer. Twenty ladies are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each day in the UK, and 8 of them will be so poorly that they go to A&E before diagnosis, without realising that their symptoms are caused by ovarian cancer.

If you or a loved one are experiencing bloating (B), changes in eating habits (E), abdominal pain (A) or toilet changes (T) Ovacome symptoms (it’s really unusual for women over 50 to start experiencing IBS symptoms) go to your GP! Earlier diagnosis saves lives.

Thank you — for reading, sharing, donating, and being your wonderful selves!