The This Van Can ovarian cancer awareness roadshow was a partnership between the NHS, the Dianne Oxberry Trust and Target Ovarian Cancer which took place in Greater Manchester in February, March and April 2025. It has now finished.
The roadshow visited all 10 boroughs of Greater Manchester letting members of the public know about the key symptoms of ovarian cancer by talking two friendly staff, learn about their ovaries with our true or false cards, model ovaries and interactive guess the size of the ovaries quiz, watching an onboard video and picking up information leaflets, symptoms diaries and information to help them start a conversation with their GP.
Target Ovarian Cancer spoke to people in Sale to find out how much they know about ovarian cancer
Useful links and information
Charlotte Badescu, 34, a Greater Manchester GP who has had ovarian cancer, featured in the roadshow. Charlotte was diagnosed with ovarian cancer when she was 31. Since then she has gone on to have a baby girl and is now doing well. She is back at work and also teaches dance fitness classes. Charlotte took part in the roadshow to help people in Greater Manchester know the symptoms to look out for.
Hilary Morrison, 64, has been treated for ovarian cancer in Greater Manchester and is now in remission. Hilary now spends time at the gym and walking in the hills. She encouraged everyone to visit the roadshow so they were aware of the symptoms of ovarian cancer and know when it is important to visit their GP.
Dr Nadia Ali-Ross, Consultant Gynaecologist and Clinical Lead for Gynaecological Cancers at Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance
Dr Ali-Ross is a Clinical Lead for Gynaecological Cancers with Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance – part of the NHS.
In memory of Dianne Oxberry (1967 to 2019) working with the Dianne Oxberry Trust
Dianne Oxberry was one of the BBC’s longest-serving presenters, most known in our area for her time as weather presenter at BBC North West Tonight. She worked alongside some of the most famous faces in radio and television, including during her time as an award-winning broadcaster on BBC Radio 1, ‘The 8.15 from Manchester’, Inside Out and BBC Radio Manchester amongst others.
Dianne was diagnosed with ovarian cancer on New Year’s Eve 2018 and sadly died just 10 days later. The Dianne Oxberry Trust charity, which was founded in her memory, raises awareness of the symptoms across the North West in the hope of improving outcomes for local people.
