Alan supporting Gaynor's Goal Ovarian Cancer

The Story Behind the Mission

Gaynor’s Goal was born from a promise.

Gaynor was just 49 years old when she passed away. Like far too many women, her ovarian cancer was diagnosed late, a reality she was determined to change for others. During her final week at St. Rocco’s Hospice in Warrington, she gave her wife, Patricia, two clear "goals" to carry out in her memory:

Support St. Rocco’s Hospice: To give back to the place that provided such incredible care, even though Gaynor knew it might take time for Patricia to be ready to step back over that threshold.

Raise Awareness: To partner with Target Ovarian Cancer and ensure that other families do not have to experience the pain of a late diagnosis.

Because these were Gaynor’s wishes, the name was born: Gaynor’s Goal.

Patrica's birthday is the 17th March, one month and one day before that of Gaynor's on the 18th April, where Patrica is holding a charity fundraising Black Tie Event at Manchester United Old Trafford Football Stadium (Details below).

Gaynor was an avid football player and fan, starting from when she was young and growing up around Southampton, through her military career and after Gaynor left and resided in the North West of the country.

As football is also close to my heart, with Doncaster Rovers being my primary love. I thought it would be appropriate to create an idea in cause of Gaynor's Goal to run the distance from Doncaster Rovers Eco Power Stadium (Day 1) to Manchester United Old Trafford Football Stadium (Day 32). This distance is 105 km and the aim is to run before work, after work or at any free time I can, to make up the total 105 km in 32 days. Seeing as many football stadiums or football towns as I can (work permitting!).

With this goal (excuse the football pun) in mind, I would like anyone to feel free to join me. Whether it is reposting this, running themselves, sharing the word of Ovarian Cancer (or any cancer), the good work St. Rocco's Hospice (and any hospice) does, posting about it all on social media or donating. All donations raised through this goal will be split 50/50 between St. Rocco's Hospice and Target Ovarian Cancer.

Ovarian Cancer - Know the Symptoms: The "Four to Remember"

Gaynor wanted everyone to know the signs she didn't know soon enough. If you experience these frequently (usually more than 12 times a month), please contact your GP:

Persistent bloating: A tummy that stays swollen and doesn't come and go.

Feeling full quickly: Or experiencing a sudden loss of appetite.

Pelvic or abdominal pain: Persistent pain in your tummy or lower abdomen.

Urinary changes: Needing to wee more urgently or more frequently.

You can also join us at Manchester United Old Trafford Football Stadium for the Black Tie Event.

Event Details:

Details:

This Black Tie event at Old Trafford is a significant milestone, not only is it to raise valuable awareness and support, it would also would have been Gaynor's 51st birthday.

Gaynor’s Goal is not a one-time thing. This evening is the launchpad for a long-term strategy. We are building a sustainable legacy where various events and initiatives will continue to fall out of this strategy in the years to come. By being here, you are helping us build the foundation for a permanent force for good.

Your Impact

We believe in total transparency. Your ticket price is designed to cover the essential overheads of this high-quality event, including:

A welcome arrival drink

A formal three-course meal

Tea and Coffee to finish

Professional Entertainment throughout the evening

Every penny of profit raised beyond these costs will be donated 50/50 to St. Rocco’s Hospice and Target Ovarian Cancer.

Venue: Manchester United, Old Trafford

Date: Saturday 18 April 2026

Time: 1800 hrs (6pm) to carriages at 0100 hrs on Sunday 19 April 2026

Dress Code: Black Tie (Medals may be worn by the military community)

Please join me in spreading the word and supporting such amazing charities.