Local fundraisers, Mr Craig McMurrough, MBA and Dr Sarah Temple (Fritchley) PhD, known as Mr and Ms Ovary, have been honoured with the prestigious Prime Minister Point of Light awards.
Their tireless efforts have made an incredible impact, as they have conquered a range of physical challenges, including marathons and regional mini tours, to raise over £70,000 for ovarian cancer research and support.
Craig wanted to raise awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer in memory of his sister, Cheryl, who passed away 7 years ago, following a late diagnosis of Ovarian cancer. Craig, together with the charity, Ovacome, designed the unique outfits which display the common signs of ovarian cancer, and teamed up with Sarah to form the recognisable pair!
‘The Ovaries’ want to reach people who might have early symptoms of ovarian cancer, to encourage them to seek medical help, with Sarah being a keen advocate of recognising symptoms of cancer and seeking immediate medical investigation, having lost her mum to a late stage cancer diagnosis.
The award for Craig and Sarah coincides with Ovarian Cancer Awareness month.
In a personal letter to Craig, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:
“Since tragically losing your sister Cheryl to ovarian cancer seven years ago, you have been dedicated to raising awareness of the symptoms and encouraging people to seek an early diagnosis. I was inspired to hear how you have been joined in your fundraising by Sarah, and how your shared experiences have driven you both to reach even more people affected by ovarian cancer.”
In a personal letter to Sarah, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:
“I was so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother to a late-stage cancer diagnosis, but I was inspired to learn about how you are building a last legacy in her memory through your vital work to raise awareness of the symptoms of Ovarian cancer. Together with Craig, as “Mr and Ms Ovary” you have pioneered creative and fun ways to highlight such a serious message in a highly impactful way.”
Craig and Sarah were presented with their Point of Light certificates in Westminster by Rt Hon Nadhim Zahawi, and Rt Hon Sir Oliver Heald.
Congratulating Craig on his award, the Rt Hon Nadhim Zahawi, Craig’s local MP for Stratford on Avon, said:
“I’m delighted that my constituent Craig McMurrough has been chosen to receive the Prime Minister’s Points of Light award – a rightly deserved recognition of his outstanding efforts raising money for ‘Ovacome’ in memory of his sister, Cheryl. Cancer touches so many of our lives, and we should give our thanks to people like Craig who are doing whatever they can to help the fight against any and all forms of the disease. I look forward to presenting him with his reward.”
Congratulating Sarah on her award, the Rt Hon Sir Oliver Heald, Sarah’s local MP for North East Hertfordshire, said:
“I would like to send my warmest congratulations to my constituent Dr Sarah Fritchley on winning the Prime Minister’s Points of Light Award for her magnificent fundraising achievements in support of the ovarian cancer charity, ‘Ovacome.”
Craig and Sarah said:
“We are delighted to be acknowledged in this way for the awareness campaigns we have completed over the last 7 years. Our mission is to continue in our endeavour to reach as many people as we can, and in doing so highlight the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer. We strive to engineer creative and fun ways to expose this serious message in its most impactful manner.”
Craig and his Dad were delighted to attend the first of this year’s Royal Garden parties at Buckingham Palace, hosted by their Majesties The King and Queen. Craig was nominated to attend by the Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, Julie Spence, in recognition of his award last year for the BBC fundraiser of the year. Craig commented ‘It was a wonderful occasion and most memorable day, surrounded by others who have done amazing things in life, both in the UK and further afield’
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