Horsham teen picks up Diana Award for charity work

Bethany Hammerton-Cooke, 15, has been given a very prestigious Princess Diana Award for her efforts raising more than £17,000 for Ovarian Cancer Action, in memory of her sister Natasha, who died of the disease six years ago.

Her mission is to raise awareness among women so that they can spot signs of the disease early. The Diana Awards were first set up in memory of Princess Diana to recognise the achievements of inspirational young people.

Bethany and her family recently attended a ceremony in London where she was presented with the Diana Active Campaigner Award.

Nina Gopal, Head of Fundraising at the medical research charity Ovarian Cancer Action said: “A Diana Award publicly recognises the way that everyone here at Ovarian Cancer Action feels about all that Bethany (and indeed that her whole family) does for our cause.

“Posting the news on social media reached an incredible 26,400 people – which has meant that thousands more have now been made aware of ovarian cancer and its symptoms as a result of Bethany’s work. Bethany is a fantastic example of how fundraising can be really inspiring, fun and impactful and she gives us hope that we will be able to change the unacceptable survival rates here in the UK and beyond.”

Her mum Bernadette is equally proud of her daughter.

She said: “Bethany had given presentations at school assemblies, and held fashion shows and has been a driving force behind organised the Dash 4 Tash every year.

“I feel so proud of Bethany and think that is was so lovely of Mr Skinner from Millais School to nominate her.

“Ovarian Cancer Action has been so supportive, and it was Natasha herself that contacted the charity in 2006.

“Natasha was very keen to spread awareness to everyone and to raise funds to aid research, with an aim to curing this very cruel cancer.

“Knowing the symptoms and recognising them, can make the difference between life or death.

“Natasha would be so proud of Bethany, as are her brothers Joe and Alex.”

The four key symptoms of ovarian cancer are the following:

l Persistent stomach pain

l Persistent bloating

l Finding it difficult to eat or feeling full quickly

l Needing to wee more often

For more information call Ovarian Cancer Action on 0207 380 1730 or visit the charity’s website ovarian.org.uk