FUNDS are being raised for a York mum battling ovarian cancer to help her create lasting memories with her young daughter.

Megan Horsewood, 23, is hoping to create lasting memories with her daughter in case the worst happens.

Megan, of Chapelfields Road, Acomb, was diagnosed with stage one ovarian cancer in November last year, but was told on Tuesday that the cancer has spread through her pelvis and has reached stage three.

The mum, who has a seven-year-old daughter called Holly, is undergoing chemotherapy which will be followed by radiotherapy to give her the best chance of survival.

After starting to lose her hair as a result of the treatment Megan has decided to shave it all off to raise awareness of ovarian cancer and will be joined by two friends - Mary Passeri and Emily Goulty - who are also braving the shave.

Megan, who has vowed to campaign on the issue, said: “For me I don’t think there is enough awareness.

“Before I was diagnosed, I didn’t have a clue what the symptoms were or what to even look out for.

“I want more people to be aware of how to detect ovarian cancer. I feel if I knew what the symptoms were I would have gone to the doctors and said ‘this is what I need to be tested for’.”

Meanwhile, funds are being raised for Megan to help pay for a holiday that she can enjoy with Holly and to create other lasting memories with her daughter.

Jo Millner, who runs the Chill in the Community CIC, in Front Street, Acomb, where Megan used to work, is leading the fundraising.

She said: “We want to try and raise £5,000 so Megan and Holly can do something special together.

“We want to help her create lasting memories in case the worst occurs.”

Megan, Mary and Emily are having their heads shaved at 5.30pm on Monday at Chill in the Community CIC as part of a fundraising event being held at the community hub from 10am to 6pm, in aid of Megan.

The fundraiser will feature a cake sale, tombola, a chance to win a tattoo with a ‘pick a number’ game and other activities.

Anyone who would like to have their head shaved to support Megan and help raise awareness can do so by visiting the cafe at 5.30pm on Monday.

People can also support Megan and make a donation by visiting https://www.gofundme.com/bravetheshavewithmeg.

l Ovarian cancer can be very hard to detect. Symptoms include increased abdominal size and persistent bloating, constant pelvic and abdominal pain, the need to urinate more often than normal, difficulty eating and feeling full quickly, or feeling nauseous.