Philippa O'Halloran: "It was easy to get motivated because I was doing this in memory of mum"

Covid cancelled RideLondon but that didn't stop Philippa O'Halloran cycling 100 miles for Ovarian Cancer Action in memory of her mum. 

The first big fundraiser I did was an abseil down the side of a tall Fujitsu building, back in 1997, the year mum was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Mum came along to watch me and I remember her asking what crazy event I would do next! Unfortunately, the cancer was found too late so we didn’t have much time with her after that. Since mum passed away in 1998, I have done various small fundraisers, but nothing as challenging as an abseil. I knew at some point I would do another big event.

One of my friends Amy had been cycling and raising money and I jokingly said ‘I’ll do the next one with you’ and before I knew it I was signed up to cycle The Prudential RideLondon. The actual event was cancelled due to Covid-19, but they held a virtual event, which meant my 100 miles was tracked on the Prudential RideLondon App.

My sister and brother-in-law did some of the 100 miles each with me, so I had some company, and my husband provided support in the car making sure I had supplies along the way. It was a fantastic day and I got my picture at Buckingham Palace!

Mum was diagnosed too late and sadly we didn’t get much time with her after that. Research into ovarian cancer has developed since mum died and it is vital that charities like Ovarian Cancer Action are given the funds they need to continue their work. 

Raising money for Ovarian Cancer Action felt so rewarding. If anyone was thinking of taking on a challenge for OCA then my advice would be to go for it. Having that motivation behind you keeps you on track of your goal, and raising awareness through sponsorship just helps to elevate the cause.

Feeling inspired? Join Philippa and help raise funds that will get ovarian cancer research back on track.

Click here to find your challenge.