Iron Jack

Jacky James and the Ironjack team are proud to be creating awareness and raising money for the Silver Ribbon Foundation, initially established as the Leonie Coates Gynaecological Cancer Charitable Trust.

The Trust was established four years ago, with a bequest from Leonie Coates’ family to raise awareness about gynaecological cancers and to provide support to women who suffer from any kind of gynaecological cancer, including ovarian, cervical, virginal and others.

The Trust’s mission is to educate the community to raise awareness about all gynaecological cancers and support those affected. 

Sadly, in New Zealand, one woman dies every day from a gynaecological cancer. Early detection saves lives. A smear test detects abnormalities that may lead to cervical cancer, however, a smear test cannot detect ovarian, uterine, vulval/vaginal cancers. It’s vital that every woman knows the symptoms for early detection. It may save your life – or the life of someone you know.

We have decided to support the Silver Ribbon Foundation for very personal reasons. In 1999, after a series of abnormal results from smear tests, I underwent a lletz procedure to remove cancerous cells from my cervix. I have been clear ever since, but it was a scare I am anxious not to be repeat. Then, tragically, last year our close friends and family lost a dear and wonderful Mum, Aunt and friend to ovarian cancer. We miss her every day.

We will be using the Ironjack journey to help achieve the Silver Ribbon Foundation’s goals of raising awareness of gynaecological cancers in the community, as well as raising money for their cause. You can donate to the Silver Ribbon Foundation through the Ironjack fundraising site http://www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/ironjack/

For further information about the Silver Ribbon Foundation and the signs and symptoms of gynaecological cancers, check out www.silverribbon.co.nz