FROCKTOBER was celebrated in a beautiful beachside bash at Soldiers Point and the funds raised all went to help the fight against ovarian cancer.

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Frocktober is a campaign that empowers women around Australia to tap into their creative flair by wearing their favourite frocks and raising money for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation.

Maret Larnach Styling hosted the fundraising event to raise money for ovarian cancer research.

There were a host of beautiful frocks on show as locals, visitors and the odd Married At First Sight (MAFS) star all got behind the cause.

The NSW Cancer Council tells us that each year, about 1400 Australian women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

The average age at diagnosis for ovarian cancer is 63 and it is more commonly diagnosed in women over 50.

Ovarian cancer is the eighth most common cancer in women in Australia.

Over 120 people attended the event held at Bay Beachbarn in Soldiers Point.

The venue was donated by Rebecca Sorensen, along with donations of food, alcohol, plants, packaging, glasses, photography and time.

Michael Gunner from Married At First Sight emceed the event, with informative talks from Dr Rebecca Moore and Councillor Jaimie Abbott.

Over 40 raffle and auction prizes were donated by businesses and individuals, with the biggest prize being 3 nights on Hamilton Island, donated by Luxury Accommodation.

The end tally of money raised is $6080, with all proceeds going to the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation.

Port Stephens Councillor Jaimie Abbott told News Of The Area, ‘It was amazing to see so many local Port Stephens businesses come together and donate prizes and supplies to make the event such a success.

“I also learned so much about ovarian cancer which kills over 1000 Australian women every year.

“Events like this which raise money for the cause means there can be more awareness and more resources can be funded for research into ovarian cancer,” she said.

Ovarian Cancer is difficult to diagnose, the symptoms are vague and in many cases, ovarian cancer is present for some time before it is diagnosed.

The only signs may be cramps, bloating, feeling full or needing to urinate more often; all of which mimic typical womens complaints.

Around 70% of women diagnosed will already be in the advanced stages of the disease and sadly only 25% will live for more than five years from diagnosis.

It’s a bleak picture; one that hasn’t changed In 30 years.

There is no standard screening test for all women for the disease.

If you have symptoms please see your doctor.

By Marian SAMPSON