Bournemouth Truck Pull Raises More Than £52,000 in Memory of Sophie Wilson
By Charities Correspondent
A family’s extraordinary tribute to a much-loved wife and friend has raised more than £52,000 for Target Ovarian Cancer after a mile-long truck pull along Bournemouth seafront.
Edward Wilson, joined by 10 family members and close friends, took on the gruelling challenge along Bournemouth Promenade on Saturday, 10 October, pulling a truck between Bournemouth and Boscombe piers in memory of Sophie Wilson.
The team completed the route in 40-metre sections, cheered on by members of the public who gathered to support the challenge and help keep Sophie’s memory alive.
The fundraising event, called Sophie’s Mile, aims to turn the family’s experience of ovarian cancer into something positive by supporting research, improving early diagnosis and helping people affected by the disease.
Edward said: “We want to celebrate her strength, keep her memory alive and hopefully help other people affected by ovarian cancer.”
The JustGiving campaign has raised more than £26,000 in direct donations, with the Z Zurich Foundation pledging to match donations pound for pound up to £50,000.
Together, the fundraising efforts have taken the total beyond £52,000, with donations still open.
Supporting people affected by ovarian cancer
Funds raised will support Target Ovarian Cancer’s work to improve early diagnosis, fund research into new treatments and provide trusted information and support to people affected by ovarian cancer across the UK.
Chief executive Catherine Hart thanked everyone who took part and supported the challenge, highlighting how Sophie’s Mile has also helped raise awareness of ovarian cancer symptoms and encouraged women to seek medical advice when something does not feel right.
The Editor
The challenge took place during Run Bournemouth weekend, bringing Sophie’s story to the wider community and turning the town’s seafront into the setting for a powerful tribute.
Run Bournemouth event director Neil Kilgour praised Edward, Sophie’s family and friends for their determination, describing the fundraising achievement as a fitting tribute to Sophie’s strength, courage and kindness.
Edward and the team have thanked everyone who donated, fundraised, shared Sophie’s story or cheered them on along the promenade.
Donations remain open via the Sophie’s Mile JustGiving campaign.
