MEDIA RELEASE 1 September 2014

Loganholme Coles leads the charge to raise vital funds for ovarian cancer Coles stores throughout Brisbane and Queensland unite to raise funds during September

Coles Loganholme team member Sarah Cowling, who lost one of her dearest friends and colleagues Mary Waters to ovarian cancer, will spearhead a month-long fundraising campaign in the hope of raising vital funds for Ovarian Cancer Australia.

Nearly 40 Coles stores across Brisbane will participate, with the fundraising campaign being officially launched at Coles Loganholme by Ovarian Cancer Australia Ambassador Maria Hopes, wife of James Hopes. Maria’s mother died of ovarian cancer in 2008. She will be joined by players from Queensland Cricket teams the Brisbane Heat and Queensland Fire.

Sarah is the Customer Service Manager at Coles Loganholme and worked with Mary Waters for 14 years.

”One of Mary's last wishes was that other women and their families would not have to suffer like she did from this disease - and we are determined to help make that wish come true.”

With the support of the Coles team and her managers, Sarah is now on a mission to raise awareness and funds for Ovarian Cancer Australia throughout the month of September, with participating stores holding events and selling teal ribbons - teal being the international colour for ovarian cancer.

The Brisbane Heat and Queensland Cricket have named Ovarian Cancer Australia as their official charity partner. James Hopes said he was delighted to be involved with such a remarkable fundraising initiative, especially for a cause that is so close to his heart.

“My wife Maria lost her mother to ovarian cancer and she has now also become an official Ambassador for Ovarian Cancer Australia,” he said.

“We are both extremely grateful for the opportunity to help raise greater awareness of the disease and in particular the often unknown signs and symptoms. We truly believe that many lives can be saved through knowledge and action and the Coles fundraising effort will go a long way in making this happen.”

Ovarian Cancer Australia’s CEO, Alison Amos, said that she was humbled by the generosity and support shown by Coles and Queensland Cricket, and is excited for the month ahead.

“The determination of Sarah Cowling and the Coles team is truly inspiring. Sarah is an incredible woman and her contribution to women and their families touched by the disease is one that will never be forgotten,” she said.

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Four women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer every day and of these, three will die of the disease.

The five year survival rate for women with ovarian cancer is less than 43% compared with 89% for breast cancer.

Ms Amos explained that there is no early detection test and treatment methods have progressed very little since the 1970s, so learning the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer is extremely important.

“Most commonly these include abdominal or pelvic pain, increased abdominal size or persistent abdominal bloating, the need to urinate often or urgently, or feeling full after eating a small amount.

“If these symptoms are new for women and they experience one or more of them persistently over a four-week period, they should consult their GP.”

All funds raised through the Coles fundraising initiative will go to Ovarian Cancer Australia and its work in providing support for women and their families, raising awareness of the disease, advocating for improved services for women, and promoting and funding world class ovarian cancer research.

List of participating Coles stores:

Coles Loganholme, Bilo Loganholme, Coles Mt Ommaney, Coles Forest Lake, Coles Corinda, Coles Logan Central, Coles Marsden, Coles Redbank, Coles Kenmore, Coles Browns Plains, Coles Springfield, Coles Bellbowrie, Coles Middle Park, Coles Inala, Coles Jindalee and Coles Waterford

www.ovariancancer.net.au Twitter: @ovariancancerOz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OvarianCancerAustralia

-ENDS-

For media enquires contact: Jenni Pattinson Ph: 0407 533 055/ (03) 8628 9322 or email: [email protected] Nicolette Baxter: Ph: 0438 143 342/ (03) 8628 9320 or email [email protected]

Interview and photo opportunities with:  Sarah Cowling, Coles employee and fundraising organiser  Maria Hopes, Ovarian Cancer Australia Ambassador and wife of Brisbane Heat captain James Hopes  Brisbane Heat player, Chris Lynn  Queensland Fire player, Jodie Fields

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Notes to Editor:

Ovarian Cancer Australia is the peak national body for ovarian cancer and was founded in 2001 by a group of people who had been affected by ovarian cancer, either themselves or through someone they loved. Ovarian Cancer Australia provides support for women and their families, raises community awareness of ovarian cancer, advocates for improved services for women and promotes and funds research. Ovarian Cancer Australia’s vision is to save lives and ensure that no woman with ovarian cancer walks alone. Their work is guided by their core values of Optimism, Community and Accountability. Ovarian Cancer Australia has developed an ambitious strategic plan for 2013 to 2016 to develop and grow its support, awareness, advocacy and research programs. In order to achieve their ambitious plan, organisational growth and funding is critical.

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