Downham Market ovarian cancer survivor Diane Boothby invited to King’s garden party at Buckingham Palace

A Downham cancer survivor who has been awarded for fundraising in a bid to raise awareness of the disease is set to mingle with royalty this summer.

Diane Boothby, 65, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in January 2022 and has since gone on to campaign through fundraisers and events to highlight the disease.

She has now been invited to the King’s garden party at Buckingham Palace for her campaigning and fundraising efforts - which she said she is “so excited” to attend.

It comes after Diane visited London late last year to speak with Government officials about ways to tackle the disease and has received support from Terry Jermy, MP for South West Norfolk, as well as shadow minister for health Andrew Gwynne.

With March being Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, Diane is set to host a number of fundraising events including a quiz night on March 2 and a coffee morning on March 3 - both at the King’s Arms, Shouldham.

Other events include an evening of mediumship on March 22 at Downham Town Sports Club and a fashion show with Bon Marche on March 28 at The Greenhouse at Downham Home and Garden Centre for Target Ovarian Cancer.

Last year, Diane won the Fundraising Award at BBC Radio Norfolk Make a Difference awards for her work to highlight ovarian cancer, having raised £11,000 for the cause.

At the time, she said: “Out of the deserved finalists, I was delighted to win the award.

“I was very delighted to receive a handwritten letter from Terry Jermy congratulating me on the award - for which I thank everyone in Downham Market and surrounding areas for their support and help, otherwise I couldn't do it.”

Reporting by Phoebe Cornell