Police Officer's Heartbreaking Campaign After Wife's Cancer Death
Matt Miles, a 46-year-old police officer from Gloucestershire, is urging the public to recognise the subtle symptoms of ovarian cancer after losing his "fit and healthy" wife Katy to the disease at just 46 years old. Katy passed away in September 2024 following an eight-year battle with a rare form of ovarian cancer, leaving her husband determined to raise awareness and funds for the charities that supported her.
The First Warning Signs
The initial indication that something was wrong appeared minor at the time. During a regular CrossFit class in 2016, Katy suddenly experienced unexpected bladder control loss, a symptom many might dismiss as exercise-related strain. She visited her GP, who referred her for a scan that revealed an abnormality initially thought to be an ovarian cyst.
"I remember Katy being reassured that 'it's not cancerous, don't worry,'" Mr Miles recalled. However, weeks later on December 16, 2016, the couple received devastating news during a hospital appointment. "As soon as we went through those double doors, she literally grabbed hold of me and her legs just buckled," he said. "Then she just burst into tears because she'd just been told that she had cancer."
Diagnosis and Treatment Journey
Katy, then 37, was diagnosed with low-grade serous ovarian carcinoma, a rare subtype that grows more slowly than common forms. Her treatment included:
- A bowel resection in November 2016 to remove cancer cells
- An eight-hour operation in August 2017 addressing lesions on her liver, kidney, bladder and stomach lining
- A stoma bag fitting and full hysterectomy
- A cycle of "brutal" chemotherapy
By March 2017, Katy felt well enough to return to the gym, but follow-up scans in May 2019 revealed two small tumours. From this point, treatment focused on managing her quality of life rather than curing the disease.
Deterioration and Final Months
Over subsequent years, Katy accessed various developing treatments until options became limited. By May 2024, her cancer had spread to bones and skin, with an initial prognosis of approximately one year. She underwent a nephrostomy procedure, which Mr Miles described as "the most painful thing she had done."
As her condition worsened, charity support provided respite care. By spring 2024, her quality of life had declined significantly. "I can't do it any more. It's too much," she told her husband. Katy later decided against further procedures when complications arose with her treatment.
Mr Miles and Katy's sister Lucy took turns spending her final weeks with her before she died on September 24, 2024.
Fundraising Tribute Campaign
Determined to honour Katy's memory, Mr Miles launched an ambitious fundraising campaign linked to her police collar number, 1481. Beginning on what would have been her birthday on August 9, 2025, his challenges included:
- 1,481 burpees
- A 14.81-mile row
- A 14.81km run to and from the Sue Ryder hospice that cared for Katy
- The charity's cold water "Big Dip" challenge
- Walking sections of Spain's Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route
Having already surpassed his initial £10,481 target, Mr Miles has increased his goal to £14,810. He will complete his tribute with the London Marathon on April 26, carrying an embroidered patch of Katy's collar number and a wooden cross she owned. "When I have moments where I don't want to keep going, those are the things that will drive me on," he said. "Katy will always be at the forefront of my mind. She is the driving force behind it all."
Awareness Legacy
Beyond fundraising, Mr Miles is speaking out to highlight ovarian cancer's early warning signs, particularly those easily dismissed. His story underscores the importance of recognising subtle symptoms like unexpected bladder changes, which could indicate serious underlying conditions.
Describing Katy as having "a very infectious laugh and a huge, beaming smile," Mr Miles hopes his campaign will save others from similar heartbreak while supporting the "amazing" charities that assisted during Katy's illness.
