'My ovarian cancer mission in memory of late wife'

A widower who lost his wife to ovarian cancer said she would be proud of the charity mission that has been organised in her memory.

Jen Jackson, from Romiley, Stockport, died at the age of 62 in June, six years after being diagnosed with the disease.

Now her husband Phil - along with a group of friends and family - is set tackle a 200-mile (322 km) walking trail along the Greater Manchester Ringway over 15 days.

"She'd probably be shaking her head but deep down she'd be really proud of it," said Phil, a former goalkeeper for non-league clubs including Altrincham, Droylsden, Ashton and Cheadle Town.

The fundraiser - called Ova The Hills - is a nod to the age of the hikers who have an average age of 67 as well as name of the anatomy that the disease affects.

The walk will finish on the first anniversary of Jen's death on 25 June in Romiley where the couple lived.

"She was quite healthy or so we thought. She was only 56 years old," said Phil.

"It's not an immediate diagnosis, it's done in steps and you start to think the worst and then eventually it was the worst-case scenario.

"But she was so courageous, she didn't let the cancer diagnosis change her."

Phil said he was determined to raise awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer and vital funding for Cancer Research UK.

Symptoms of ovarian cancer include frequently having a swollen or pain in your tummy, feeling bloated, no appetite or feeling full quickly after eating and an urgent need to pee or needing to pee more often.

"There's not many symptoms - that was Jennifer's case," he said.

"She went to a GP who fortunately felt that something wasn't right and sent her for further tests.

"When she was diagnosed, it was stage three [where the cancer has spread outside of the pelvis].

"Down to research and the Christie hospital, they were able to prolong her life for another six years.

"We had a good quality of life and a lot of that was down to Jan's courage and the way she dealt with it."

The group have so far raised £5,000 but are hoping to meet their target of £10,000.

"It will be a demanding journey, both physically and mentally," added Phil, who is currently the goalkeeping coach with non-league side Stalybridge Celtic.

"But with Jen's memory guiding us, every step carries meaning.

"The challenge is not just about the distance covered, but about turning grief into something positive, raising awareness, supporting vital charities, and helping ensure that fewer families have to experience the same loss."

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