A SUPPORT group for Dorset women with gynaecological cancers is supporting a campaign to raise awareness of ovarian cancer.

To coincide with the global awareness event which took place yesterday, the GO Girls support group has launched a new website as it steps up its efforts to raise awareness of gynaecological cancers and funds to help improve the lives of patients.

The group was set up in March last year, with patron Phillipa Clunes - a television producer and wife of actor Martin Clunes – officially launching its efforts.

Since then it has gone from strength to strength and, as well as offering support to women at its monthly meetings in Poundbury, is tirelessly working to raise awareness.

Hilary Maxwell, co-founder of the group and gynae-oncology clinical nurse specialist at Dorset County Hospital said: “We are delighted to be launching our website on World Ovarian Cancer Day.

“Ovarian cancer is the sixth most common cancer amongst females in the UK, and the fifth most common cause of death in women in the UK.

“It’s vital women feel supported in these difficult and frightening journeys.

“GO Girls offers a unique blend of advice, support and hugs.”

Hilary said she wanted to thank 123-Reg for its support in building the website and hoped it would enable others to join as the group looks to set up a network of GO Girls throughout the UK, with Poole and Bournemouth the next target.

Among those to benefit from the support of the GO Girls is Jan Hinton, from Weymouth.

She said: “It’s just a fantastic support group where you can come and talk to people and they know what you are going through.

“For some people it’s the only place where they can talk to people and it really does help.

“A lot of friendships have started out because of the group so people don’t need to feel alone anymore.”

Jan has also been a keen fundraiser for GO Girls at its latest meeting handed over £200 from a charity climb of the mast of the Tall Ship Pelican in Weymouth.