Carol Smillie

Famous women including Anthea Turner, Carol Smillie, Jane Asher and Betty Boothroyd are helping a photographer from the Southern Daily Echo raise cash towards a resource and research centre for ovarian cancer.

The celebrities have all agreed to be photographed by Andy Scaysbrook (right) as part of a new exhibition and subsequent book.

Andy decided to embark on the project following the death of his mother, aged 57, from ovarian cancer two 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.

“After she died I wanted to do something meaningful that would raise enough money to get a dedicated centre underway to provide help, support and treatment for women sufferers. Using my job as a photographer seemed the most natural option.”

Andy set up a working partnership on the project with Debbie Howells, wife of Southampton footballer David, who was herself diagnosed with ovarian cancer at the age of 26. She now works with the cancer charity Ovacome.

Andy said: “The celebrities have been fantastic. I contacted about 35 female stars from a wide age range and all have had their own reasons for wanting to help.

“Now we are looking for a main sponsor to be our media partner.”

If you can help, or for more details, e-mail Andy at [email protected]

Jane Asher

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