Pip Edwards’ ‘emotional’ plea at Witchery White Shirt Campaign event

Pip Edwards became “emotional” while discussing her recent health struggle at a star-studded public appearance in Sydney.

Pip Edwards choked up as she discussed the effects of being diagnosed as perimenopausal at the age of just 39.

The mum-of-one was speaking at the official launch of Witchery’s 2023 White Shirt Campaign in Sydney when she was left unable to talk as she explained the worrying symptoms she “ignored”.

The fashion designer, who co-owns P.E. Nation, described her shock diagnosis three years ago as “a huge wake-up call”, and hopes sharing her “struggle” will help fight the stigma surrounding female health issues.

Edwards, now 42, opened up while speaking about the statement $150 shirt she’s designed for the Australian fashion brand, which raises money for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF).

Pip Edwards choked up on stage discussing her recent health ‘struggle’. Picture: Matrix Pictures

“I hit early menopause at 39, which is something so many women struggle with privately, and it was a huge wake-up call,” she said at the star-studded event at Bennelong on Thursday.

“I was in denial, enduring symptoms for so long, because I simply didn’t know what it was and I didn’t think it could be me.

“I wish I knew more about female’s health before my diagnosis and to be completely honest it wasn’t really a priority.”

Edwards then became audibly choked, telling guests: “I don’t know why I am so emotional. So sorry.”

The event host, Channel 9’s Sylvia Jeffreys, was quick to jump to Edwards’ aid, praising her for sharing such “a big moment” in a candid manner.

Julie Bishop, an ambassador for the campaign, was also seen giving Edwards support at the event, rubbing her shoulder as she broke down on stage.

“Only a few years ago it was a ‘no, no’ to say the T-word on television, tampons, because it would upset the male audience,” she said.

“We paid a GST on a crucial hygiene product because we weren’t talking about it.

“So you talking about your menopause feeds into this dialogue of us all talking about female health and increasing our awareness of risks in health, and in this case ovarian cancer.”

Sylvia Jeffreys was quick to jump to Pip Edwards’ aid. Picture: Matrix Pictures

Julie Bishop was seen supporting Edwards at the event. Picture: Matrix Pictures

Edwards agreed, stating she wished she knew more about her own health, adding she hoped to “put a spotlight on women’s health and encourage conversation as I don’t feel there is enough of it”.

“I have regrets about my lack of knowledge, but unlike so many other women, my diagnosis wasn’t ovarian cancer.

“But for those women, it’s often too late – and this campaign helps combat the stigma.”

Witchery has partnered with the OCRF for over 20 years to help raise funds to create an early detection test for the cancer that affects about 1720 Australian women each year.

The #WhiteShirtCampaign is the largest funder of ovarian cancer research in Australia, raising over $15 million since its inception in 2008, with 100 per cent of gross proceeds being donated to the OCRF.

This year, Edwards leads the campaign, which features a string of famous faces including former foreign minister Julie Bishop, tennis legend Jelena Dokic, fitness entrepreneur Kayla Itsines and Paralympian Madison de Rozario.

“I thoroughly enjoyed designing the shirt, and putting my heart and soul into every single detail, and to raising money that goes towards an early detection test,” Edwards said.

“This is about fashion with a true purpose that can have a real, life-changing, true outcome.

The businesses owner and influencer previously opened up about the moment she knew something was wrong while attending a basketball game for her son, Justice, in an interview with Stellar magazine.

Edwards said at the time she overheated and felt so overwhelmed she ended up in tears.

“I didn’t know what was going on. I had to take myself outside and literally was in a frenzy of trying to take my clothes off. I was like, this is not right!” she said.

After appointments with her doctors and tests of her egg supply, she was told she was in perimenopause – the transition phase into menopause that usually happens in a woman’s mid-40s, but that up to 12 per cent of Australian women experience prematurely.

Common symptoms include hot flushes, decreased fertility, irregular menstrual cycles, and trouble sleeping.

“Like so many women, I’ve juggled being a mum and a business owner, had trouble sleeping and maintained a clean and lean diet,” Edwards said.

“And in the midst of it all, what I didn’t notice were the changes taking place to my female reproductive health. I never really thought to consider it.”

Tame paired the shirt with pinstripe trousers and a black blazer. Picture: Matrix Pictures

Grace Tame also made a stunning appearance at the celebration, wearing this year’s white shirt with a black blazer and pinstriped trousers.

The former Australian of the Year also styled the special garment with a pair of chunky heels and a black clutch.

Her signature long hair was worn in loose waves over her shoulders.

Originally published as Pip Edwards’ ‘emotional’ plea at Witchery White Shirt Campaign event