Stella McCartney x Lady Garden Foundation
Stella McCartney has been a feminine force since day one, partnering with other organisations to affect positive change for women and girls globally. We have collaborated with the Lady Garden Foundation – a UK-based charity eliminating the taboo surrounding women’s gynaecological health through education, funding research and driving awareness.
What, why and how?
Founded in 2014, The Lady Garden Foundation is a national women’s health charity that initially began by funding ground-breaking research at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust into the treatment of gynae cancers. Since then, the organisation has evolved into running yearly events, education programmes and funding cutting-edge studies as part of a strategic four-point plan to achieve their long-term goal – raising awareness for women’s gynaecological health.
1. Educate
78% of women don’t know the signs and symptoms of gynaecological cancer. Through education programs, The Lady Garden Foundation enables women to recognise the signs and symptoms of all five gynaecological cancers so that treatment can be sought at the earliest stage.
2. Fund
The Lady Garden funds life-saving research and treatment, improving the outcome for those suffering with gynaecological cancer and increasing their chances of survival.
3. Drive awareness
Cervical screening saves lives, but 1 in 4 women don’t attend their appointments. By driving awareness, The Lady Garden Foundation helps more women to act and attend these life-saving check-ins.
4. Normalise
By shouting the loudest and normalising all conversations surrounding gynaecological health, The Lady Garden intends to break taboos and facilitate a safer, more open space for women to learn, share and treat.
Meet the founders: Jenny Halpern Prince MBE and Tamara Beckwith Veroni
From the fast-paced worlds of media and PR, Halpern Prince and Beckwith Veroni have worked with world class brands, been at the forefront of global organisations and led hugely successful campaigns across multiple industries. In 2014, the dynamic duo joined forces and founded The Lady Garden Foundation.
“I was keen to set up The Lady Garden Foundation due to my early experiences with gynae issues. At 20 years old, I was diagnosed with pre-cervical cancer cells at stage 2 – I had these lasered out, which was followed by years of heartache due to not being able to conceive naturally. After 5 years and multiple interventions, we had twin girls via surrogacy and then a boy 6 years later in the same way. I am passionate about shining a light on the gynae problems women face from periods, fertility and menopause onwards and view my role as making an incremental difference to the lives of women.” – Jenny Halpern Prince MBE[PM1]
“I lost my most precious mother to gynaecological cancer almost 8 years ago. It still shocks me knowing now that had she gone to see her doctor’s when any of her symptoms had arisen, we could be telling a very different story. Prior to her diagnosis, my sister and I were not terribly well informed on cancer in general – most women are equally in the dark when it comes to this. We feel strongly that awareness is the key. Having helped co-found The Lady Garden Foundation has been one of the most incredible experiences of my entire life. Sharing your sadness helps when hearing others equally sad stories. In a weird way I feel strengthened by getting on with our mission.” – Tamara Beckwith Veroni
