THE founder of an Oxford support group for ovarian cancer patients has taken to the fashion catwalk for the very first time at the age of 70.

Maggie Pettifer, co-founder of Oxchocs, was one of a dozen models who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer to take part in the Touch of Teal with Ovacome charity event in London held on Friday.

The event was part of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

Mrs Pettifer, a former medical publishing consultant, was diagnosed two years ago after suffering from a distended abdomen and a sudden change in bowel function.

After going to her GP she was quickly diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

Mrs Pettifer said: "I was very lucky in this respect. My CA125 (the blood marker for ovarian cancer) was 112, and I knew enough about the disease to realise where this was leading.

“I remember pushing my trolley round the supermarket, completely shocked, for half an hour, thinking 'I’ve got cancer, I’ve got cancer."

According to ovarian cancer charity, Ovacome, GPs typically see just one case of ovarian cancer every five years, and so it can often be dismissed as something less serious, like irritable bowel syndrome or the menopause.

It is for this reason Mrs Pettifer, who is still being treated at the Churchill Hospital in Oxford, was keen to raise awareness by taking part in the catwalk show in front of a daunting 200-strong audience.

She also said she wanted to give something back after receiving 'exceptionally good' treatment at the Ian Brodie chemotherapy unit at the Horton Hospital in Banbury after her surgery.

She said: “I jumped at the opportunity to model at Touch of Teal with Ovacome.

“The catwalk is a seriously scary place, but the dresses are gorgeous and the other models very supportive.

Mrs Pettifer, who lives in Barton-on-the-Heath, added: "It’s all part of my philosophy of living well with active cancer.

“I want to lead an expanding life. Every day I welcome new friendships, new directions, and above all new ways to support other women behind me on this pathway.”

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, which runs throughout March, is highlighting the main symptoms of the disease, which can be remembered from its BEAT acronym: Bloating that does not come and go; Eating less and feeling fuller quicker; Abdominal or pelvic pain; and Toilet changes – urinary or bowel.

The support group Oxchocs, co founded by Mr Pettifer along with another patient, Elaine Kidd, meets every eight weeks at the Maggie’s Centre alongside The Churchill Hospital and welcomes patients from all over the Thames Valley.

For more information on Oxchocs visit targetovariancancer.org.uk/support-groups/oxchocs-ovarian-cancer-support

Or to support Mrs Pettifer on her catwalk challenge you can sponsor her at justgiving.com/fundraising/margaret-pettifer