Three weeks before her daughter’s wedding, Lisa Winbank made her husband Graham promise her that he would make it the best day of their daughter’s life. Shortly after, as he held Lisa’s hand tightly, she lost her 15-month battle with Ovarian Cancer. Lisa was 52.

Ovarian Cancer is a silent killer. With no early detection, four Australian women are diagnosed per day, and one dies every eight hours. It is the most lethal gynaecological cancer but due to lack of symptoms, often diagnosis comes too late.

Frocktober is the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation month long fundraising campaign to increase awareness and money for vital ovarian cancer research. The campaign empowers people from all walks of life, to gather their friends, Frock Up and attend a Frocktober Event, and it’s the combination of fashion and fundraising for this vital cause, that drove Belinda Wright to help.

Belinda owns Chic & Sassy Boutique in Montville and organised a Frocktober Lunch at Flaxton Gardens with a Fashion Parade featuring friends as models and clothes and accessories from her shop. 

“I had to do something to bring awareness to the women and men in our local community,” Belinda said. 

“There are regular screening services for detecting and treating breast and cervical cancers, but we need funding to ensure Ovarian Cancer is included in women’s health prevention checklists.”

Attended by over 120 frocked-up locals, the fundraising lunch included a raffle, silent auction and an energetic fashion parade showcasing items from Belinda’s shop. Putting the ‘fun’ into fundraiser, was the aim, but there wasn’t a dry eye in the house when a six-foot, former Army Officer, wearing tattoos and a pink dress, took centre stage and shared a personal and moving story of love and loss.

As a newly appointed ambassador for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation, Graham Winbank recalled his daughter’s emotional wedding day. When butterflies appeared on the day, they knew Lisa was watching over them. 

“Treatment hasn’t changed in 30 years and only 29 percent of women survive beyond  five years from diagnosis, so Lisa’s story needs to be told,” he told the audience.  

“When funding into Ovarian Cancer is neglected, women and girls die. The next generation deserves better, and research is the answer.”

Flaxton resident Ali Hoffmann, who MC’d the fundraiser thanked Graham for telling his story. “Standing in front of a room of local ladies, wearing a dress and exposing his vulnerable side, demonstrated just what an advocate he is to this cause. Over 100 ladies left that event with a better understanding of the disease and respect for the legacy he’s creating for Lisa, and those she left behind.” 

Ali’s neighbour Barry, who also lost his wife to Ovarian Cancer, donned a white suite and fedora, and featured in the fashion parade, which helped to raise over $3000 on the day.

Belinda would like to thank everyone who supported her first Frocktober Lunch and is already planning to do it again in 2023. 

To donate to The Ovarian Cancer Research Frocktober Campaign visit www.frocktober.org.au