Matt Miles, a 46-year-old police officer from Cheltenham, is undertaking a series of intense physical challenges to raise funds for Sue Ryder hospice, which cared for his late wife, Katy Miles. Katy, who was also a police officer and always maintained a fit and healthy lifestyle, died aged 46 after battling a rare and aggressive form of cancer.
Katy’s first and only noticeable symptom was an unexpected issue with bladder control during a CrossFit session in 2016. Subsequent medical investigations led to a diagnosis of low-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (LGSOC), a rare ovarian cancer subtype that accounts for just 2% to 5% of ovarian cancer cases. Despite initial treatment and a period of remission, the cancer eventually progressed, and Katy entered palliative care at Sue Ryder.
Honoring Katy’s memory, Matt has dedicated himself to a year-long fundraising journey inspired by her police collar number, 1481. His challenges include rowing 1,481 miles, performing 1,481 burpees, hiking the Camino de Santiago in Spain, and culminating with running the London Marathon.
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Reflecting on the ordeal, Matt shared how devastating and unfair the diagnosis felt, especially since Katy was so young and healthy. “Cancer doesn’t discriminate. If it gets you, it gets you,” he said. He described Katy’s warmth, infectious laughter, and extroverted spirit that brightened everyone’s lives.
Their shared love of sports brought them together at work in 2009, and Matt proposed to Katy on a ski trip in France in 2012. Married in 2013, their life was soon disrupted by Katy’s diagnosis. After surgery including a bowel resection, removal of lesions around vital organs, a hysterectomy, and intensive chemotherapy, Katy fought hard.
For several years, treatment focused on managing the disease to maintain her quality of life. However, by 2024, Katy’s cancer had spread extensively, causing complications such as kidney problems that required painful interventions. Throughout, the hospice provided vital support, offering Katy respite and compassionate care.
In her final weeks, Katy chose to have life-sustaining catheters removed to end her suffering peacefully. She passed away in September 2024, surrounded by loved ones and hospice staff.
Matt’s fundraising has surpassed initial goals, driven by his love for Katy and the incredible support they received. As he prepares for the London Marathon, Matt carries on his wife’s legacy, motivated by the memories and the charity’s impactful work.