Research Into Ovarian Cancer (ROC for short) was founded in 1992 after the
death that summer of Angela McGowan. It was Angela who had been instrumental in Michael and Cathy meeting for the first
time. At the beginning of 1989 she had heard Michael's single of "Love Changes Everything" and suggested to Cathy that
she should interview him for her TV news programme. Cathy followed her advice and the rest, as they say is history!
Angela was married to Cathy's brother John and was soon to make Michael
feel part of one big happy family. A family which was to be devastated by her death at the age of 45. What they
all thought was going to be a simple hysterectomy turned out to be the "silent killer" ovarian cancer. Although a very
treatable disease if discovered in time, the victim is often unaware they have it until it is too late.
When John McGowan discovered that there was very little money available
to Dr. David Oram and his team to carry out their vital research he decided to channel his grief into something positive.
Together with John Cullen (who lost his Mother to ovarian cancer) he established ROC in order to raise the necessary funds.
It was discovered that a simple blood test in combination with ultrasound
scanning can be used to detect ovarian cancer in its early stages while it is still treatable. 120,000 women over 50 years
old from all over the UK are now on a three year screening programme.
ROC pledged to raise £1 million over a five year period so that this screening
programme could be carried out by the Research Unit. Michael himself has given the proceeds of two "ROC Concerts" together
with the royalties from his single "The Rose" to the charity. He has also appeared on endless TV and radio programmes
educating people about the disease. We are also pleased to say that many fan club members have helped to raise thousands
of pounds by carrying out sponsored events. ROC is the club’s nominated charity and money is raised at all fan
club Events. At the 2000 Event a total of £3403 was raised from raffles, sale of discontinued merchandise and donations.
Here’s an extract from a letter sent by John Cullen and John McGowan,
Chairmen and Trustees of ROC, following the 2002 fan club Event where a large sum was raised by holding two raffles:
“During the seven years we have been funding the ovarian Cancer Screening
Programme, ROC has considered itself very fortunate indeed to receive the support of some extremely committed individuals
and organisations. However, the degree of generosity shown by Michel and the members of his fan club towards ROC has
been unparalleled – as is amply indicated by this latest donation of £3403. We thank you for your continued support
– for which we are exceptionally grateful.”
After the 2002 Party we received the following comments from ROC:
"Throughout the 10 years of our existence, ROC has benefited from the support
of our patron, Michael Ball. And a big bonus is that Michael's unstinting commitment to ROC comes with the additional
commitment of his fans. Fans whose loyalty is unquestioned - as is their generosity, Cheques have now been received
to the value of £11,742.92."
