Andrew, Darren, Daren, Tom and I are cycling RideLondon in memory of Pippa Koller, my wife, their dear friend, who died from cancer last year. Alex was also planning to join us, until he had a horrendous accident and broke his wrist. You will be glad to know he's recovering well!

So why are we raising for the Princess Alice Hopsice? Well I hope the following story will explain why…..

Pippa and I met while on holiday climbing Mount Toubkal after being persuaded by Andrew to join him on this adventure. From that point on, Pippa and I were inseparable. After 10 joyous years of travelling, getting married and creating a wonderful family, our happiness was shattered when Pippa was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014.  From this point onwards, the next 4 four years, unbeknownst to us, would become an emotional rollercoaster. After 15 months of treatment, Pippa was given the all clear in September 2015, and we started to put our life back together and look forward to a long and prosperous life as a family.

In February 2017, this dream was ripped apart. The cancer had returned, but this time there was no cure. Ethan and Imogen were 9 and 6 and were suddenly having to deal with the prospect of losing their Mummy. Family, friends, schools and work all flocked to support us through these dark days. We were introduced to Sharon and Leo, along with many caring teams at the Princess Alice Hospice, who provided us and our family with tremendous support. With their guidance, creating strong and vivid memories for the kids became our highest priority.

We were very lucky that Pippa’s treatment extended the time we were able to share with her. With Pippa’s amazing strength, determination and courage, aided by the comfort, support and advice of Princess Alice Hospice teams, we were able to fulfil many of the dreams Pippa sought to achieve in her last few months.

In November 2017, Pippa decided it was time to be admitted to Princess Alice Hospice, a huge and most challenging decision to have make, but one we quickly realised was the right one to make. For the next 6 weeks, we were able to become a family once again through the wonderfully kind, positive and tremendously humble care of the nurses, doctors, carers, catering staff, and absolutely everyone at the Princess Alice Hospice. Nothing was too small. They created lasting memories! Movie nights, Christmas Dinners, sleepovers! Ethan and Imogen were able to continue their days at school while having dinner with Mummy in the evening and sharing stories before going to home to bed.

On Pippa’s last day, Ethan, Imogen and I were with Pippa as she passed away in my arms. She looked at peace and beautiful. Nurses helped Ethan and Imogen select flowers and make bouquets to be given to Mummy as their last gift to her. We had tea and gave Mummy one last big hug. At the time, I hadn’t appreciated what the nurses and carers had done, but they had created a happy and positive memory for Ethan and Imogen, a memory that would stay with them for the rest of their lives. 

I can’t thank Princess Alice Hospice and everyone who works there enough. Fund raising for this wonderful Hospice is the least we can do, so they can bring similar joy, kindness and support to other families. And what better way than ride 100miles with three great friends.

The link below is a very touching video based on a true story showing how Princess Alice Hospice helped another family. This has very close parallels to what Ethan, Imogen and I experienced.

https://vimeo.com/251282277

Pippa was training for her first triathlon in May 2014, however her diagnosis that same month meant she was never able to fulfil one of her dreams. In union with my sister Nicola’s tremendous run of the London Marathon in May supporting MacMillan, we hope to complete a reverse Iron Man later this year in honour of Pippa. 

(https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/nicola-koller1)

A big thank you to all support provide by family and friends throughout 2017 and onwards.