The head of a Camden ovarian cancer charity is to retire, after 13 years leading the organisation.

Allyson Kaye founded the Ovarian Cancer Action in 2005, and has been a pioneer in improving awareness and treatment of ovarian cancer.

During her time as chair, the charity, based in Camden High Street, has funded almost £9million into ovarian cancer research, built the first Ovarian Cancer Research Centre in Europe, and improved the outlook for women diagnosed with the disease.

She was awarded an MBE for her work in 2014.

Allyson said: “I founded Ovarian Cancer Action which is based in Camden Town in 2005 to speak out about the disease on behalf of all women and to stop it being labelled as a ‘silent killer’.

“Back then there were no clinical guidelines for identifying symptoms and there was little to no research into the disease. I lost my own mother to ovarian cancer when I was just 23 and the lack of openness fuelled my desire to make a change.

“It has been a privilege and an honour to dedicate 13 years of my life to a just cause. I am now looking forward to leisurely strolls across the heath and may even get time to take a dip in the ponds.”