Husband honours wife with charity event after she dies 12 hours post-hospital wedding

Edward Wilson from Somerset is launching a charity truck pull to raise awareness of ovarian cancer symptoms, after his wife Sophie passed away just 12 hours following their wedding in hospital.

Sophie, a hairdresser from Dorset, first experienced abdominal pain, swelling, and unusual bleeding in early 2019. Initially misdiagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome, further tests revealed a potentially cancerous cyst on her ovary. Following surgery and low-dose chemotherapy, her cancer spread over five years to affect her womb, remaining ovary, bowel, pelvis and abdomen.

In November 2024, Sophie entered palliative care and she and Edward decided to marry. The ceremony took place in a hospital room with loved ones present, illuminated by battery-powered candles and accompanied by music from Edward’s phone. Sadly, Sophie died within 12 hours of their vows, aged 29.

Edward described the profound impact of Sophie’s passing, including an eight-stone weight loss due to losing his appetite, and his diagnosis with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. After undergoing therapy and treatment, he resolved to support Target Ovarian Cancer through fundraising.

The charity truck pull is scheduled for 10 October along Bournemouth Promenade and has already raised over £12,000. Edward hopes the event will honour Sophie’s memory and help other women avoid similar ordeals by promoting early diagnosis and awareness.

Edward and Sophie first met through a dating app in 2015 and developed a devoted relationship despite living apart in Somerset and Bournemouth. Their story highlights the challenges of ovarian cancer, its progression, treatment struggles, and the personal toll it takes on patients and families.

By sharing his experience and organising this fundraiser, Edward aims to turn tragedy into a positive force, helping those facing ovarian cancer and providing hope to those dealing with grief.