Edward Wilson married his ‘perfect girl’ Sophie in a bedside ceremony at Poole Hospital, just after midnight on November 11, 2024, five days after getting engaged.
Edward and Sophie Wilson (Image: Edward Wilson)
The 29-year-old died later that day after a long battle with ovarian cancer.
Edward, who met Sophie in 2015 while studying at Bournemouth University, said: “On Wednesday, November 6, I got engaged to the most perfect girl.
“On Monday, November 11, I had the honour of marrying her.
“Later that day, my beautiful wife lost her battle with cancer.
“When I say battle, I truly mean it, and she fought relentlessly until the end.
“She was so happy, and so was I – that someone so kind, resilient, and beautiful had chosen to spend their life with me.
“I will forever regret not doing it sooner.”
Edward and Sophie Wilson (Image: Edward Wilson)
Sophie was first diagnosed with potentially cancerous cells in one ovary five years ago.
The following year, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and had both ovaries removed before undergoing an unsuccessful round of IVF.
A later diagnosis of womb cancer led to a hysterectomy.
Sophie and her loved ones (Image: Edward Wilson)
Edward said Sophie’s cancer returned in August 2024 and they were told chemotherapy was the only option.
He said: “Sophie suffered significantly with symptoms from the cancer and chemotherapy until the end.
“During this time, Sophie never complained, was never down, and never gave up.
“I have never seen resilience like it.”
Sophie Wilson (Image: Edward Wilson)
Despite the odds, Sophie stayed hopeful, made plans for the future and comforted Edward and their loved ones.
In her memory, Edward and friends will take part in Sophie’s Mile Charity Truck Pull between Bournemouth and Boscombe Pier on Saturday October 10, raising funds for Target Ovarian Cancer.
He said: “Having watched Sophie fight ovarian cancer and its complications three times, I want to help raise money so that it may help even one person not experience the same.
“Whether that’s from early detection of symptoms and diagnosis, extra support after diagnosis, or research into treatments, I just want to help.
“The reason our team have chosen to pull a truck one mile, is because it’s symbolic of walking a mile in Sophie’s shoes, and although it does not come close, it does demonstrate that together we can make a difference.”
The Z Zurich Foundation has pledged to match every pound raised up to £50,000.