Annabel was 46 when she died of ovarian cancer in February 2021. She was mum to Ollie and Grace; wife to Paul, and our unique friend. 

Annabel’s diagnosis was late and that’s a fact.  

Unexplained fatigue was Annabel’s first feeling that something wasn’t quite right followed by  severe abdominal pain. At 44, some of her symptoms were pointing at the perimenopause (ovarian cancer symptoms can mirror those of the perimenopause) but Annabel was acutely aware something was wrong. She persisted with doctors, asking for tests. When Annabel was finally in an investigative process her CA-125 result (an ovarian cancer marker) was missed. It was Annabel’s persistence that finally led to a partial diagnosis. However, only surgery would lead to a full diagnosis - low grade serous carcinoma, a form of ovarian cancer. 

Annabel’s late diagnosis meant longer and more invasive surgery with it’s life changing effects and complications.  Annabel lived with these ongoing challenges for just 21 months after her surgery.  Much of this time was spent in hospital dealing with chemotherapy, blood transfusions; drains, drips and needles...  Annabel simply wanted to live her life and she did everything within her reach to do that.  She was determined to be more than her illness and she was - so much more.  Annabel responded to cancer with grit, perseverance and unwavering strength, ensuring  family celebrations and traditions, so important to her, were kept and enjoyed by those she loved. 

Annabel will never ever be forgotten. She was something special; her own person, forever elegant; quick witted and immensely strong.  

Our love for Annabel, Paul, Ollie and Grace has united us in a  team challenge called ‘Coast to Toast’ to shine a light on the symptoms of ovarian cancer and help fund essential training for GPs in early diagnosis of ovarian cancer.

Hannah, Charlie, Ali, Ian, Natalie, Grant, Lucy, Simon and Mark’s road bike journey will begin at 6am on Saturday 2nd October 2021 on the coast at Milford on Sea in Hampshire where Annabel was born and brought up. She loved the sea and visiting her childhood home where her parents still live.

We will cycle along the coast as a team pelaton to the Wiston Estate vineyard and collect a consignment of English sparkling wine selected as one of the best by Annabel during her career as Marketing Director at Bayley and Sage. The wine will be carried in trailers attached to our bikes, through the counties of Hampshire, West Sussex and Surrey and into South West London. We will finish in Wimbledon Village, where Annabel and Paul used to live; became parents to Ollie and Grace; and where Annabel enjoyed her first position at Bayley and Sage. Here we will celebrate Annabel and the end of our challenge with a Wiston wine toast. 

It will be an individual challenge for us all and worth every pedal to support our work with Target Ovarian Cancer. 

Please visit our website : www.coasttotoast.co.uk