Shearing is caring for Cora

Thousands of sheep needing a shear are set to play a key role in helping raise money for one woman’s fight against cancer.

A fundraising bid to help a friend battling cancer is set to see 5000 sheep shorn non-stop over 24 hours.

The Shear for Cora fundraiser hopes to raise as much as possible for Marlborough woman Cora McConnell who is battling Ovarian cancer.

And organisers are looking for shearers to help make the mammoth shearathon a success.

Organised by Earl and Lisa Paewai and Freddy and Nikita Gane, the event is arranged for the 13 and 14 January next year.

Freddy says the date has been deliberately planned during most people’s summer break.

“The timing of this is pretty intentional, because whilst we all can have a break over the summer - if you are sick like Cora, there is no break.

“Let's roll up our sleeves people and really make a difference.”

Cora was diagnosed with Ovarian cancer 8 years ago and has fought not just to stay alive, but to also raise awareness of a disease known as “the silent killer.”

In New Zealand one person is diagnosed with ovarian cancer every day and five die every week.

Cora has been undergoing IOZK-Immunotherapy in Cologne, Germany. The treatment mobilises the body’s own immune response, specifically targeting tumour growth.

Talking about her diagnosis on social media, Cora says she wants het story to help save others.

“I have been a closed book about my health until now as I am a very private person when tragedy strikes.

I have now got my head around the demons that kindly come with a cancer diagnosis.

But if I can save one woman from having to go through what I’ve been through then I feel I have raised awareness about this insidious disease called cancer.”

While ill herself, Cora had been nursing her mum through lung cancer, a fight she sadly lost.

Cora says none of what she has been through is easy on anyone.

“I have been on this roller coaster for eight years now and believe me it’s not been easy on myself, my family, or my friends. But together we are making the very best of a bad situation.”

Hosted at the Gane’s 824-hectare beef and sheep farm in Havelock, Kaituna Ridges on Readers Rd, the shearathon needs people to help with sponsorship, food, entertainment and refreshments.

“If you can shear, rousie (pick up the fleeces), press or pen up, contact the [Facebook] page or any of the organisers and we'll make this thing a real flyer,” Freddy says.

To volunteer or find out more, visit Shear for Cora on Facebook and to donate visit “Cancer took my Mum’s life this year, it CAN’T take mine too” - Givealittle

Ovarian cancer symptoms

The symptoms of ovarian cancer are often not obvious and can be confused with other non-cancerous conditions.

• Signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer may include:
• a swollen or bloated tummy (abdomen)
• always feeling full
• discomfort, pressure, or pain in the tummy or pelvic area
• change in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhoea)
• feeling very tired (fatigue)
• kidney or bladder problems, such as needing to pee more often
• abnormal vaginal bleeding
• weight changes for no reason

Often there are no signs of early-stage ovarian cancer.

Having these symptoms does not mean you have ovarian cancer, but it is important to get any changes checked by your doctor.