An exhibition of photos by Southern Daily Echo photographer Andy Scaysbrook, which aims to raise awareness about ovarian cancer, has been launched today.

The photographs, which are on display at St James Club in London, feature a number of famous women who have experienced ovarian cancer in some way.

Among the women who agreed to be photographed were Cherie Blair, Judy Finnigan, Anthea Turner, Melinda Messanger and Jo Whiley. And Andy still has a few more photographs to take to complete his exhibition, including Caroline Aherne and Lisa Tarbuck.

Andy said: "It's not just pictures of random celebrities, they've all agreed to be photographed because they know someone who has had ovarian cancer - which shows how it can affect anyone."

Andy, who is deputy picture editor at the Daily Echo in Southampton, shot all the pictures for his exhibition during his days off.

He decided to embark on the project following the death of his mother, aged 57, from ovarian cancer three years ago.

He said: "Mum wasn't diagnosed until it was too late, which is the case for the hundreds of women who suffer from this cruel cancer every year.

"I thought it would be a nice tribute to mum and would also help raise awareness about the illness and the charity, Ovacome. When I approached them with the idea for the project, they jumped at it."

Together with the exhibition, Andy is also publishing a book, which will be released on April 8 - Ovacome Day.

The exhibition opens today and runs until Sunday.

For more information about ovarian cancer and Ovacome visit the charity's website at www.ovacome.org.uk

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