Teen gets award for £17k raised in sister’s memory

Bethany Hammerton-Cooke, 15, has dedicated all her free time to fundraising for the charity since the death of her sister to ovarian cancer six years ago.

The Millais School pupil has been given the prestigious award established in memory of Princess Diana for inspirational children and teenagers.

She said: “Winning The Diana Award was such a brilliant tribute to my sister Natasha.

“The continuing support of my friends, family and Ovarian Cancer Action, have made it possible to arrange events and raise funds for research, whilst continuing Natasha’s passion for awareness, highlighting the symptoms of Ovarian Cancer, with the hope of saving lives.”

Bethany has so far raised £17,142.41 and she is always thinking of the next event she could organise.

Her teacher Mr Skinner nominated Bethany for the award.

Bethany added: “I was so honoured to receive it and met so many young people who have turned difficult or traumatic experiences into positives.

“I wear my Diana Award badge with pride and will treasure my certificate,it was a truly memorable experience.”

Among Bethany’s fundraising activities, Bethany and her family hold an annual ‘Dash for Tash’ and she organised a successful fashion show at her school.

Bethany’s brother, Joe, has run the London Marathon for Ovarian Cancer Action.

Bethany added: “We will continue to fundraise for years to pursue a cure which will benefit all women and their families. It’s exciting and enjoyable to carry out these events, watch people have fun and know that it’s all for an amazing cause.

“I’d like to thank all the people who donated, as well as the school’s staff for helping me to organise these exciting events.”

Nina Gopal, head of fundraising for Ovarian Cancer Action, said: “We are so proud of Bethany and her family. She’s such an inspiration and a motivated and ambitious young woman.

“No-one deserves to be rewarded for their exceptional commitment to a cause more than Bethany.”