Pearl Jones was speaking today ahead of the launch of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month - a potentially life saving initiative being run by the founder of Julie Clarke's Angels of Hope.

Maureen Clarke set up the charity, which offers support to those whose lives are affected by ovarian cancer, after losing her 27-year-old daughter, Julie, to the disease.

Maureen is also seeking to eradicate what she believes is a misnomer that ovarian cancer is 'the silent killer'.

Julie's symptoms were believed to be those of irritable bowel syndrome for 18 months before diagnosis.

Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, 52-year-old Pearl, from Portadown, said she received vital help from the charity following her diagnosis, despite the fact that Maureen was herself struggling to coming to terms with losing her daughter.

"This is the only charity in Northern Ireland that helps women with ovarian cancer and I didn't really have any other support," she said.

"I was diagnosed in March 2003 when the group was very new and it must have been very difficult for Maureen coming so soon after losing Julie but I was able to ring her at any time and talk about what I was going through.

"It was a really great help being able to talk to someone who was able to tell me if what I was experiencing was normal."

Having beaten the disease, Pearl is adamant that people should be made aware of the symptoms of the disease.

"During my treatment I met so many women whose symptoms were misdiagnosed and they were treated for Irritable Bowel Syndrome or gall bladder problems for over a year before anyone realised they had cancer. It's so important that women and doctors know the symptoms of ovarian cancer. "

The month-long awareness initiative is to be launched at the Waterfront Hall at 10.30am today and will be attended by survivors and relatives of women with ovarian cancer.

The launch event is sponsored by the Waterfront Hall and is open to all. For further information contact Maureen Clarke on 028 3833 4376 or email maureen@angelsofhope.org.uk.