AN Islander seeking to raise awareness of ovarian cancer in younger women through sharing her own experience was among the speakers at a glitzy charity event in London.
Stars such as Dame Joan Collins, Princess Beatrice, Jack Savoretti and Liz Hurley were among those present to hear Nadia Le Tiec’s account of her journey since being diagnosed with Stage 4 ovarian cancer two years ago at the age of 27.
The event at upmarket restaurant Langan’s was the tenth anniversary lunch of the Lady Garden Foundation, which has campaigned to raise awareness of gynaecological health and raised almost £3 million over the past decade. Around 130 people attended, including several celebrities.
Following her diagnosis, Miss Le Tiec was put under the care of consultant gynaecologist John Butler at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London, undergoing an 11-hour operation to remove the cancer in December 2022.
As well as a total hysterectomy, she also had her colon, part of her liver and her spleen removed due to the extent of the cancer spread.
Miss Le Tiec, who is now living back in Jersey and returning regularly to the Royal Marsden for monitoring and follow-up care, described how she had first noticed abnormalities while on holiday in November 2022, heading to a doctor’s appointment as soon as she returned to Jersey and receiving confirmation of her diagnosis soon afterwards.
Disbelief, shock and fear were among the initial emotions she recalled, before recounting her experience of surgery, without which she may not have seen in 2023.
Although seeing a written account of what surgeons had removed during her operation left her feeling “physically sick and like a carved out pumpkin”, Miss Le Tiec was also able to share the relief of completing chemotherapy.
She concluded: “This is why the funds raised by the Lady Garden Foundation is so invaluable – it gives people like me more options.
“I can’t emphasise enough how important fundraising like this is. Research isn’t just about finding a cure – it’s about giving people more time with their loved ones, time to fully live, time to hope, and that’s everything.”
Jenny Halpern Prince, co-founder and chair of foundation, said: “With rates of cervical screening declining, there really is a crisis in women’s health, which needs urgent attention – we are so pleased to have hosted another successful event to raise much-needed funds.”
Antonia Dalmahoy, managing director of the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity added: “Over the past decade, Lady Garden Foundation’s generous support has funded state-of-the-art equipment, vital support services for patients as they go through treatment, as well as pioneering gynaecological cancer research, which benefits cancer patients across the UK and around the world.”
