Police officer's eight-month challenge in wife's memory

A police officer whose wife died from cancer has embarked on eight months of gruelling endurance challenges, to raise money for the charity who cared for her.

Matthew Miles, 45, from Cheltenham, has been taking part in half marathons, open-water cold swims and a 14.81-mile rowing challenge since August and plans to run the London Marathon in April.

In tribute to his wife Katy's police collar number 1481, he is hoping to raise £14,810 for the Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice which cared for her.

He said: "She was known as 'Katy Smiles'. She never really complained. Sue Ryder made it possible for us to be together properly together right to the very end."

Katy was diagnosed with cancer in 2016 at the age of 37 while serving as a police officer. Over the next eight years she underwent multiple surgeries and treatments and died in September 2024.

Despite her illness, Miles, who is a police officer with Gloucestershire Constabulary, said she remained positive and determined to live fully.

"She was a remarkable person, happy, smiley, bubbly, and friendly to everyone," he said.

"She never really complained. She dealt with the positives rather than the negatives and made the most of every moment."

He added healthcare staff often described her as their "favourite patient" because of her outlook.

During her time at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice, the only facility in Gloucestershire offering 24-hour inpatient hospice care, Katy discovered painting through art therapy and went on to build a small art business, with her work now displayed in homes across the UK.

The hospice also provided complementary therapies, specialist pain management and space for family to stay with her during her final weeks.

"In those last weeks there was sadness, of course, but there was also laughter, music and love," Miles said.

Miles described the staff as "angels on the ground".

"They help guide your loved ones as they prepare to meet the angels in the sky," he said.

Miles said the physical discomfort of the challenges was minor compared with what his wife and others endured.

"It's a few moments of discomfort for me," he said. "I saw Katy and so many others in pain for long periods of time. That keeps things in perspective."

He said some of the toughest moments came during his solo walk across Spain, which gave him time to reflect.

"That was part of the healing process," he said. "Thinking about what I've been through and how I want to live going forward."

Miles said the response from friends, family and colleagues had been "overwhelming", with some of them taking on their own runs and challenges.

"When people say they're proud or want to get involved, it's emotional," he said.

"It makes me keep going."

Reflecting on what his wife would have thought of the challenge, Mr Miles said she would have been both amused and proud.

"She'd be laughing at me, but she'd also be my number one supporter, making sure everyone knew why I was doing it."

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