Matt Miles, a 46-year-old police officer from Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, has described the death of his wife Katy at age 46 as "dramatically unfair". Katy Miles, also a police officer, passed away from a rare form of ovarian cancer after initially experiencing only one symptom before her diagnosis.
A Devastating Diagnosis from a Single Symptom
Katy Miles was exceptionally fit and healthy, taking great pride in her physical appearance and dedicating herself to CrossFit training. In 2016, at age 37, during a CrossFit class, she experienced bladder control problems while skipping. This single symptom prompted a visit to her GP, which ultimately led to her diagnosis of low-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (LGSOC).
This particular cancer subtype represents just 2% to 5% of all ovarian cancers, according to the LGSOC Initiative. Despite her youth and fitness, Katy faced this rare disease that "doesn't discriminate", as Matt emphasized.
The Emotional Impact of the Diagnosis
Matt vividly recalls the moment they received the diagnosis on December 16, 2016. "I remember Katy had a yellow jumper on and blue jeans and we walked out into the corridor," he said. "As soon as we went through those double doors, she literally grabbed hold of me and her legs just buckled. Then she just burst into tears because she'd just been told that she had cancer."
Doctors initially suspected an ovarian cyst and reassured Katy it wasn't cancerous, but a biopsy revealed the devastating truth. The diagnosis was particularly shocking because Katy had shown no other symptoms besides the bladder issue during her workout.
Treatment Journey and Hospice Care
Katy underwent extensive treatment including a bowel resection in November 2016, a second operation in August 2017 that unexpectedly lasted eight hours due to lesions found on multiple organs, a full hysterectomy, and a round of what Matt described as "brutal" chemotherapy.
By March 2019, she was feeling improved and had returned to the gym. However, follow-up scans revealed two small tumors, shifting the focus to managing her quality of life rather than eliminating the cancer entirely.
Final Months and Hospice Support
By May 2024, the cancer had spread to Katy's bones and skin, and she received a prognosis of roughly a year. She also developed kidney complications requiring nephrostomies, which Matt described as "the most painful thing she had done."
It was at this point that Sue Ryder hospice stepped in, providing crucial respite care when Katy was exhausted. "She could visit the hospice for respite," Matt explained. As her quality of life deteriorated, Katy eventually told Matt: "I can't do it any more. It's too much."
In her final weeks, Katy requested removal of her nephrostomies, understanding this would lead to a peaceful end. "I can remember the doctor was crying and so was the nurse," Matt recalled. "Everyone was in hysterics. She had these things taken out and she came back and she was beaming."
Katy passed away on September 24, 2024, with Matt and her sister Lucy by her side during her final three weeks at the hospice.
A Year-Long Tribute Through Extreme Challenges
Determined to honor his wife and support the "amazing" hospice that cared for her, Matt launched a year-long fundraising campaign starting on Katy's birthday, August 9, 2025. He created a series of challenges based on Katy's police collar number – 1481.
The challenges include:
- Completing 1,481 burpees
- A 14.81-mile row
- A 14.81km run to and from the Sue Ryder hospice
- The charity's Big Dip cold water plunge challenge
- Hiking Spain's Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route
The London Marathon Finale
Matt will conclude his fundraising efforts by running the London Marathon on April 26. He has already surpassed his initial target of £10,481 and has now raised his goal to £14,810.
"I've got an embroidered patch of the 1481 that I'll have on my Sue Ryder shirt and a little wooden cross that Katy had," Matt said. "When I have those moments where I don't want to keep going, those will be the little things that will keep driving me. Katy will be at the forefront of my mind. She is the driving force behind it all."
Matt and Katy first met in 2009 at work, bonding over their shared passion for sports like rugby and skiing. Matt proposed during a ski trip in France in February 2012, famously skiing toward Katy while wearing a tuxedo. They married on May 10, 2013.
"I'm quite shy and introverted," Matt said of their relationship. "She was very extroverted, so she was very good at filling the gaps. She had a very infectious laugh and a huge, beaming smile. You'd never hear a bad word said about her."
Through his extraordinary physical challenges, Matt continues to celebrate the life of his vibrant wife while supporting the hospice that provided compassionate end-of-life care during her most difficult days.
