Jane Francis memorial event raises $28,000 for ovarian cancer sufferers

The Griffith Blacks Rugby Club raised an extraordinary $28,000 for women affected by ovarian cancer at its Jane Francis Ladies Day event at Griffith Exies Club.

The fundraiser was in honour of popular club member Jane Francis, who passed away in December after a three-and-a-half-year battle with the illness.

Sheridan McGregor, who organised Jane’s Day along with fellow club members Karen Owers and Sophie Bozic, said Jane was noted within the Griffith community for her exceptional kindness.

“Jane was particularly known for saving animals,” Ms McGregor said.

“If she found an animal on the street, she would make sure it found a good home.”

When Jane passed away in December, her husband Aled and sons Dav and Bryn told Sheridan about the challenges Jane had faced.

“Ovarian cancer is the most terminal cancer for women, but sufferers don’t get the same level of attention or support as those impacted by other serious illnesses,” Sheridan said.

She said there was no designated allocation of ovarian cancer support nurses and a lack of significant fundraising events for affected families.

She decided to do something about this, forming a committee within the club and organising last weekend’s Jane Francis Ladies Day event.

“We were hoping to raise maybe $10,000, so to achieve what we did blew us away,” Sheridan said.

She added that special thanks went to the 10 Griffith Blacks rugby players who auctioned themselves off, raising a combined total of more than $5000.

“The women who ‘bought’ these players can bring them over to their houses to do their housework, gardening or whatever they want,” Ms McGregor explained.

“One rugby player was sold for $1000.”

Thanks also went to Dr Marion Reeves and her skincare clinic Fi and Me, who donated thousands of dollars worth of auction items, De Bortoli Wines who provided free drinks and Griffith Exies who served complimentary food.

Ovarian cancer is the growth of malignant cells in one or both ovaries. Contrary to popular belief, it cannot be discovered by pap smears or any other early detection test.

According to data from the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation, more than two thirds of all women diagnosed with ovarian cancer will die within five years.

“Anything that can be done to raise awareness or support families impacted should be encouraged,” Sheridan said.

All money raised from Jane’s Day went to Ovarian Cancer Australia to help provide nursing support, information, advice and advocacy to women suffering from the illness.

Those interested in donating can still do so via the Ovarian Cancer Australia website.