“We need to keep standing up for women’s health”
After meeting ovarian cancer awareness campaigner Gill Harler, Lorraine Kelly was inspired to become patron of the charity set up in her memory
Interview by Joan McFadden Photography by Bonmarché
“We need to keep standing up for women’s health”
After meeting ovarian cancer awareness campaigner Gill Harler, Lorraine Kelly was inspired to become patron of the charity set up in her memory
Interview by Joan McFadden Photography by Bonmarché
“We need to keep standing up for women’s health”
After meeting ovarian cancer awareness campaigner Gill Harler, Lorraine Kelly was inspired to become patron of the charity set up in her memory
Interview by Joan McFadden Photography by Bonmarché
Television presenter Lorraine Kelly is used to asking the questions, but there’s one often asked of her: how does she choose which charities she supports? “If I can support them, I do, because I think I should,” says Lorraine. “I support the Gill Harler Fund because I met Gill when she was one of the three finalists for the Inspirational Woman of the Year Award in 2016 and she really touched me.”
Sadly, Gill’s story is not unusual. Benenden Health member and Gill’s daughter, Karen Symons, explains that the primary school teacher from Weymouth spent three and a half years seeing numerous doctors about her symptoms, but was repeatedly told that it was irritable bowel syndrome. “Mum eventually managed to get a blood test and got referred for scans before being diagnosed in April 2011 with stage 4 ovarian cancer.”
After treatment Gill met many other women with similar stories of waiting so long for a diagnosis and discovered that there was a real lack of awareness of ovarian cancer symptoms among women. “There’s also a perception that it’s an older woman’s disease,” says Karen, “but Mum was chatting to a girl who had been diagnosed in her late teens.” Even more shocking was the common misconception that the smear test for cervical cancer would also pick up signs of ovarian cancer.
Kickstarting a campaign
Gill decided to raise awareness of the symptoms of the disease to educate other women and aid early diagnosis. She designed a ‘handbag’ card, which fits perfectly in a credit card holder or purse, to get her message across and initially distributed 150,000 in Dorset. However, in April 2016, Gill developed a tumour in her chest that didn’t respond to chemotherapy and she stopped treatment to enjoy the time she had left with her family.
“By the time of the award that October she knew time was running out for her,” says Lorraine. “She was fragile, but so determined to get the message out. These cards are such a great idea to remind you to be aware and get checked.”
“By the time of the award that October she knew time was running out for her,” says Lorraine. “She was fragile, but so determined to get the message out. These cards are such a great idea to remind you to be aware and get checked.”
The importance of self-advocacy
“Women are great at nagging our partners to go to the doctor, but we’re always putting our own health last – and the gender health gap is frightening,” says Lorraine. “I’ve lost people close to me, like [bowel cancer campaigner] Deborah James and our young producer, Hannah Hawkins, who left a wee baby. We need to keep standing up for women’s health and for each other.”
Gill died in February 2017 and Lorraine didn’t hesitate when Karen asked if she would be the patron of the charity. “This is the type of charity – doing such brilliant work on such limited funds – we support through the Inspirational Woman of the Year Award,” she says. “The final judging is always done by viewers and I’m glad about that as I don’t know how I’d pick a winner.
I was so touched by Karen continuing the charity on Gill’s behalf because their bond is like the one between me and my daughter, Rosie.”
Establishing a legacy
Karen is proud to continue her mum’s legacy. “As a teacher, wanting to help others was always in Mum. It didn’t matter what she was going through, the key was to make sure others didn’t go through the same.
“I was really blown away by everything Mum did to kickstart the idea and push it forward. She never gave up.” Karen says she has heard from someone whose mother picked up one of the cards and went on to get a diagnosis. “If we manage to help one person, we’ve made a difference.”
She is grateful for Lorraine’s support. “Every time Lorraine has invited me back on her show, it’s been a great boost for the charity. We’re not about fundraising, but getting the message out there.”
Earlier this year, Lorraine was awarded a BAFTA Special Award in recognition of her broadcasting, journalism and charity work. Her schedule is as hectic as ever, with the success of her first novel, The Island Swimmer, added to the list of her many achievements. Lorraine is currently working on her second book as well as enjoying being a grandmother.
However, she will always have time for charities close to her heart. She always looks forward to the annual Women of the Year Awards. “The lunch is a fantastic event – it’s a celebration of women passing on their wisdom, which leaves you feeling better about the world.
“The Gill Harler Fund makes such a difference and I feel good being part of it.”
“Women are great at nagging our partners to go to the doctor, but we’re always putting our own health last”
Ovarian cancer awareness
The Gill Harler Fund is a small charity run by five trustees and with Lorraine Kelly as its patron. Its mission is to raise awareness about ovarian cancer and its symptoms.
It produces awareness packs including an ovarian cancer symptom card in the shape of a handbag and a diary to help you keep track of symptoms. The website also offers guidance on how to get the most out of your doctor’s appointment, such as being prepared with notes or taking a friend for support.
For more information, see gillharlerfund.org
The Gill Harler Fund’s ACT guide to ovarian cancer symptoms and when to get help
A
A persistent bloating
Abdominal, pelvic or lower back pain
A difficulty eating/feeling full quickly
Abdominal swelling
Abnormal bleeding
An urgent, more frequent need to urinate
A change in bowel habits
C
Consistent symptoms that don’t go away
Concern this is NOT normal for you
T
Time to talk
We’re here for the little things as well as the big things
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