This episode of the Business Awards Show features an interview with Craig McMurrough BCAh, a leadership and culture consultant.The discussion covers Craig's professional life, his experience as a judge for the Best Business Women Awards, and his deeply personal and award-winning campaign to raise awareness for ovarian cancer.
Craig's sister, Cheryl, tragically passed away from ovarian cancer at the age of 43 after a delayed diagnosis. This devastating event inspired him to launch a unique awareness campaign. He created the persona "Mr. Ovary," dressing in a seven-foot-tall, bright pink ovary costume to spread information about the signs and symptoms of the disease while participating in marathons and other public events.
Through his efforts, Craig has raised nearly £100,000 for the charity Ovacome. He has run several London Marathons, numerous Great North Runs, over a hundred half marathons and climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in 2018. His dedication has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards. These include the Pride of Britain, the BBC Fundraiser of the Year, and most recently, the British Citizen Award for his services to healthcare.
During the podcast, Craig shares the key symptoms of ovarian cancer, using the acronym BEAT. Listen to find out what each letter signifies and when to get checked.
He emphasises the importance of early diagnosis and encourages women experiencing these symptoms to see a doctor. The episode concludes with a call to action for listerners to support Ovacome and to help spread the word about ovarian cancer.
{1:40} Craig's career in leadership consulting and change management.
{2:45} The experience of being a Best Businesswomen Awards judge.
{4:23} Craig's campaign to fight ovarian cancer and the accolades it has brung.
{5:35} Craig's sister Cheryl and a fatal misdiagnosis.
{7:08} A lifelong passion for runnning.
{8:29} The facts abouit ovarian cancer and when to get checked (using the BEAT acronym).
{10:00} The money Craig has raised for Ovacome.
{11:50} Busting myths about cervical smear tests and why CA-125 blood tests are so important.
{12:24} Craig's ignorance of ovarian cancer before his sister contracted it.
{13:08} More detail on the timeline of his sister's illness and a tribute to her life.
{15:50} Using professional experience in change management to drive charity work.
{17:33} The privilege in meeting the King and Princess Anne at Buckingham Palace.
{20:08} Craig's forthcoming races.
{21:05} How listeners can donate through the Ovacome Just Giving page.
{21:44} When Craig first connected with Ovacome.
{24:23} How you can help Ovacome and support Craig's efforts.
Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk
Connect with Craig: https://www.ovacome.org.uk/blog/longstanding-ovacome-fundraiser-craig-mcmurrough--aka----mr-ovary----set-to-receive-prestigious-award
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068688799125
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ovacomecharity/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigmcmurrough/
Ovacome fundraising page: https://www.ovacome.org.uk/fundraisers/help-mr-mrs-ovary-to-make-a-difference
