For four years Mr Mockler has been travelling the central west to raise awareness to people in the community and on Tuesday, February 27, he was in Dubbo Square’s Black Pepper store for a special morning tea.

This is the third year he and Black Pepper staff have teamed up to hold the fundraiser, which coincides with Ovarian Cancer Week.

Mr Mockler said ovarian cancer was a “silent killer” because many of the symptoms are often symptoms of other less serious and more common health problems.

“I see my role not so much with fundraising, but more to promote awareness and to have those conversations with people,” he said.

“If people are aware of the symptoms then there’s a chance of being diagnosed early.”

Symptoms include abdominal or pelvic pain, excessive fatigue, indigestion or nausea, the need to urinate often or urgently, feeling full after eating a small amount, unexplained weight gain or weight loss, lower back pain, a change in bowel habits and bloating.

According to Ovarian Cancer Australia 1550 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer every year and 1220 women will lose their battle with the disease each year.

Dubbo’s Black Pepper store manager Julie Bashford said she was really excited to be a part of the morning tea to help raise awareness and be a part of the cause.

“Because the symptoms aren’t as obvious and they’re very subtle,” she said.