Soul star backs cancer fight

From the archive, first published Saturday 31st Mar 2007.

A charity set up by five Bradford-born friends to support awareness and treatment of ovarian cancer has confirmed that soul singer Billy Ocean will perform at its official launch next month.

Louise French, of Bingley, who is managing director of a Leeds PR firm, Kirstyn Pollard and Lucy Meredith, both of Harrogate, Eleanor Richardson, of Masham, and Eleanor Kernighan, of Harrogate, have set up The Hope Trust.

Money raised will benefit cancer patients with ten per cent of cash going to the Oncology Research Trust Fund and the Haematology, Oncology Day Unit Trust Fund, both at Airedale General Hospital near Steeton.

The rest of the money will be given to the national charity, The Eve Appeal, which funds research into the early detection, prevention and treatment of ovarian cancer.

The friends, all successful businesswomen, set up the trust after Kirstyn Pollard's mother, Marilyn Pollard, of Giggleswick, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

The trust is to be officially launched at The Hope Ball on April 21 in Harrogate, where Billy Ocean will perform as the lead act.

His spokesman said: "The Hope Ball is a private commitment from Billy who is keen to support the charitable cause."

Kirstyn Pollard said: "Last year I was devastated to learn my mother had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

"Unfortunately it was in advanced stages because she, as with the majority of women, was not aware of the symptoms that are often mistaken for non fatal illnesses such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

"We cannot help to cure her but we can help to educate others and support research and treatment expertise."

She added: "We are just thrilled to have Billy Ocean performing at our event.

"We set out to create a truly memorable occasion that would become an annual must for guests. It looks set to do just that with Billy topping the bill and a whole host of other treats in store for the night."

The ball is at Rudding Park in Harrogate and will be hosted by TV's Jenny Powell.

For details about tickets, sponsorship and donating prizes contact The Hope Trust on (0113) 3931011 or go to www.thehopeball.com.

Start or join a debate on this issue in our online forum - Click here