I first met Philly Gower as a wide-eyed seven-year-old in my Year 3 class at school. From then on we travelled through the worlds of childhood and adolescence side-by-side. 

Philly had exceptional gifts, as a scholar, musician, actress, and artist, and she brought love and so much fun and laughter to all who knew her, and everything she did. She seized life and love with open arms, lit up by a ferocious energy.

Philly was diagnosed with cancer in January 1999 when she was seventeen, at a time when the world and its opportunities were just starting to fully open up for her. She went through intensive treatments spanning over three years, but it wasn't possible to cure her cancer, and she died in 2002.

While undergoing treatment, Philly and her family benefitted from the expert support provided by Maggies. Maggies centres offer a warm welcome to anyone affected by cancer, supporting them in any, and every, way possible.

This year I will be running the Great North Run as part of the Maggies team in memory of my exceptional friend Philly, in support of the life-changing work Maggies centres do. If you are able to offer your support, please see this link:

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Bethan-Lee21


Philly Gower - 1982-2002

Light as dreams, tough as oak, precious as gold

Thank you so much for your support, with your donations Maggie's can continue to provide free cancer support to anyone who needs it.