A very special new event will take place alongside Run Bournemouth on Saturday 10 October 2026, as Sophie’s Mile brings an extraordinary charity truck pull to Bournemouth Promenade.
Edward Wilson and a team of Sophie’s family and friends will pull a truck for one mile between Bournemouth and Boscombe piers. Completed in 20-metre sections, the challenge represents walking a mile in Sophie’s shoes and will raise vital funds for Target Ovarian Cancer.
Remembering Sophie
Sophie’s Mile is being held in loving memory of Edward’s wife, Sophie Wilson.
Sophie was a vibrant, caring and selfless woman who faced ovarian cancer with extraordinary courage and positivity. Even while experiencing the most difficult circumstances, she continued to put others first and remained determined to make plans for the future.
Edward and Sophie met while studying at Bournemouth University in 2015. They went on to build a life and run a business together in Bournemouth, marrying at Sophie’s bedside shortly before she died from complications related to ovarian cancer in November 2024.
Edward explained: “Sophie faced her illness with unbelievable courage and selflessness. She never complained, even when she suffered greatly, and always thought of others first.
“This event is about walking a mile in Sophie’s shoes – pulling together as a community to raise awareness and funds so that others don’t have to go through what she did.”
A meaningful addition to Run Bournemouth
Taking place on the same day as Run Bournemouth’s Saturday events, Sophie’s Mile will unite the team with runners, spectators, volunteers and members of the local community.
The mile-long challenge will take place between 10am and 5pm, giving those attending Run Bournemouth the opportunity to follow the team’s progress and cheer them along the promenade.
Run Bournemouth Director Neil Kilgour said: “We are proud to welcome Sophie’s Mile into the Saturday programme. It will be a visually spectacular, moving and inclusive event that honours Sophie’s memory while inspiring thousands of runners, spectators and the local community.”
Whether you are running, volunteering, supporting someone or simply visiting the promenade, we invite you to join us and make Sophie’s Mile an unforgettable part of the Run Bournemouth weekend.
Supporting Target Ovarian Cancer
Money raised through Sophie’s Mile will support Target Ovarian Cancer’s work across the UK. The charity focuses on improving early diagnosis, funding research into treatments and providing support for people affected by ovarian cancer.
Every contribution can make a difference. A donation of £17 could enable the charity’s support line to help another person seeking trusted advice, while £250 could fund a day of research into new ovarian cancer treatments.
Donations will also be matched by the Z Zurich Foundation up to £50,000, helping supporters make twice the impact.
Support Sophie’s Mile
There are several ways you can support this powerful challenge:
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Donate to the Sophie’s Mile campaign.
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Create your own fundraising page.
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Share Sophie’s story with your family and friends.
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Join us on Bournemouth Promenade and cheer on the team.
Donate or learn more about Sophie’s Mile
You can also watch the Sophie’s Mile campaign video.