It was Christmas 2018, and the Oxberry family gathered together for a season of love, joy, and celebration. Dianne Oxberry, the much-loved BBC North West weather presenter, lit up the festivities with her warm spirit as always. Yet, little did anyone know, this holiday season would be her last.
On New Year’s Eve, Dianne received a devastating diagnosis—she had ovarian cancer. Only 10 days later, the disease claimed her life.
Her sudden passing left a void not just in her family, but also in the North West community, where she had been a nightly fixture on television. However, her legacy endures through the incredible efforts of The Dianne Oxberry Trust.
Fighting to Save Lives This Christmas
This year, Dianne’s family and friends are urging you to join their mission to save lives. The charity they founded, The Dianne Oxberry Trust, is sounding the alarm on ovarian cancer through its “Merry Kiss-mas” Christmas appeal.
Their creative campaign asks people to “pucker up” for loved ones this festive season while raising funds to help spread awareness about ovarian cancer symptoms.
Eamonn O’Neal, the trust’s chair and close friend of Dianne, shared, “We’re asking everyone to dedicate a special Kiss-mas bauble on our online Christmas tree to a loved one—be it someone you’re missing, someone you cherish, or maybe even someone you’d like to meet under the mistletoe.”
By purchasing these virtual baubles, donors fund critical awareness campaigns, ensuring more families recognize the signs of ovarian cancer before it’s too late.
“A simple kiss could be the first step to saving someone’s life,” Eamonn added.
Why Early Diagnosis is Key
According to figures from Ovarian Cancer Action, only three in 10 women diagnosed with ovarian cancer live beyond 10 years. Early detection, however, significantly improves survival rates.
Dianne’s story is a tragic example of the disease’s speed and stealth. Often referred to as a “silent killer,” ovarian cancer’s early symptoms are easy to ignore or dismiss as minor ailments—until it’s too late.
Know the Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
The Dianne Oxberry Trust is on a mission to make every woman aware of the warning signs. They advocate remembering the acronym WORD, which highlights key symptoms to watch for:
- Weeing more frequently
- Overly bloated feeling
- Reduced appetite
- Dull ache or pain in the pelvis or tummy
Additional symptoms may include:
- Upset stomach
- Chronic fatigue
- Weight loss
- Post-menopausal bleeding
The charity urges anyone who experiences these symptoms at least 12 times in a single month to book an appointment with their doctor immediately.
They also emphasize a critical point—routine smear tests do not detect ovarian cancer, making symptom awareness vital.
Dianne’s Legacy and How You Can Help
“Dianne had an infectious, cheeky sense of humor and a smile that lit up a room,” says Eamonn. “She’d love the playful nature of this campaign. The thought of people puckering up in her honor would have her howling with laughter.”
The Merry Kiss-mas appeal is not only a tribute to Dianne but also a life-saving initiative. Every bauble purchased funds campaigns to educate more families about ovarian cancer symptoms, giving them a fighting chance for early diagnosis.
Businesses, organizations, and individuals alike are encouraged to get involved by dedicating baubles as a unique way to send holiday wishes or replace traditional gifts such as Secret Santas.
How You Can Get Involved
Want to make a difference this Christmas? Here’s how you can help:
- Purchase a Virtual Bauble: Dedicate a Merry Kiss-mas bauble to someone you love on the Dianne Oxberry Trust’s online Christmas tree.
- Spread the Word: Share the symptoms of ovarian cancer with friends, family, and colleagues. Every bit of awareness counts.
- Donate Directly: Support the Dianne Oxberry Trust by making a donation to fund their life-saving campaigns.
To dedicate your bauble or learn more about Dianne’s story and ovarian cancer awareness, visit The Dianne Oxberry Trust website.
This Christmas, join us in honoring Dianne’s incredible legacy. Together, we can save lives and give more families the gift of time with their loved ones.
If this story inspired or moved you, share it with your network to help spread the word.