Sophie’s Mile: Bournemouth truck pull to raise funds in memory of 29-year-old Sophie

A Bournemouth man and his friends are preparing to pull a truck for one mile along the seafront in memory of his wife Sophie, who died from ovarian cancer aged just 29.

Edward Wilson is organising Sophie’s Mile Charity Truck Pull on 10 October 2026, raising money and awareness for Target Ovarian Cancer.

The one-mile challenge will take place along Bournemouth promenade, with the distance chosen to symbolise walking a mile in Sophie’s shoes.

And every donation could go twice as far, with the Z Zurich Foundation agreeing to match every pound raised through the campaign, up to £50,000.

In memory of Sophie

Sophie was first diagnosed with potentially cancerous cells on one of her ovaries around five years before her death.

The following year, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and underwent further treatment and surgery.

Despite hopes of starting a family, Sophie later needed a hysterectomy after being diagnosed with womb cancer.

In August 2024, the cancer returned in multiple areas around her bowel, abdomen and pelvis. The cancer was inoperable, with chemotherapy used in an attempt to push it into remission.

Throughout everything, Edward remembers Sophie for her resilience and the way she continued thinking about and caring for the people around her, even while facing her own illness.

“The happiest and saddest day of my life”

On 6 November 2024, Edward and Sophie got engaged.

Five days later, in the early hours of 11 November, they were married at Sophie’s bedside at Poole Hospital.

Later that same day, Sophie died.

Edward describes their wedding day as both the happiest and saddest day of his life.

Even during her final days, he says Sophie remained focused on the people she loved, asking Edward to stay close to her family and making sure those around her would continue to look after one another.

It is that kindness and resilience that Edward now hopes to honour through Sophie’s Mile.

Pulling a truck for one mile

On 10 October, Edward will be joined by friends as they attempt to pull a truck for a full mile along Bournemouth promenade.

The challenge is about more than fundraising. Edward also hopes Sophie's story will help raise awareness of ovarian cancer, particularly among younger women, and encourage people to recognise potential symptoms and seek medical advice when something doesn’t feel right.

Money raised will support Target Ovarian Cancer and its work around earlier diagnosis, support for people following a diagnosis and research.

Edward said that after watching Sophie face ovarian cancer and its complications three times, he wants to help prevent even one other person from experiencing the same thing.

Donations matched up to £50,000

The fundraising effort has received a major boost from the Z Zurich Foundation, which has agreed to match donations to the campaign pound for pound up to £50,000.

That means a £10 donation could become £20 for Target Ovarian Cancer, while £50 could become £100.

If you would like to support Edward and the team, donations can be made directly through the Sophie’s Mile JustGiving campaign:

https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/sophiesmiletruckpull2026

Every donation will help raise vital funds for Target Ovarian Cancer and support work around earlier diagnosis, treatment research and help for people affected by the disease.

The charity truck pull takes place on 10 October 2026 on Bournemouth seafront.