Sister of Leeds mum to take on Yorkshire Three Peaks in her memory
A Leeds woman is taking on the Yorkshire Three Peaks this July in memory of her sister Sophie, who died last year aged just 29, and to raise money for Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice – the place she says became “a little family” during Sophie’s final months.
Sophie Burrill, from Leeds, was diagnosed with incurable stage 4 ovarian cancer in October 2024, only weeks after her 28th birthday.
Over the next 14 months she faced major surgery, long hospital stays and gruelling symptoms, all while trying to make memories with her son, Henry, who had not yet turned one when she received her diagnosis.
Her sister, Emma Gilligan, said Sophie remained “positive, funny and unbelievably strong” throughout her illness.
“Sophie never once complained,” said Emma, 34. “She always said, ‘It is what it is – we just have to keep putting one foot in front of the other.’
"Even on the hardest days she would still be smiling. I used to look at her and think, how can you possibly have that strength? She was inspirational.”
After long periods in hospital, Sophie was referred to Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice for specialist pain management. She stayed there for around three months before she died, during which time the family formed deep bonds with the staff.
“The only way I can describe Wheatfields is that we became a little family,” Emma said. “Sophie was so young, and Henry was always running around – it’s not something they see every day. But they wrapped around all of us, not just Sophie.”
She recalls countless small acts of kindness that made a huge difference.
“Sophie couldn’t eat solid food, but Rose from the kitchen ordered her favourite raspberry ripple ice cream every week so she could have a taste if she wanted it. She made Henry a plate of cheese every night because he loved it. When I stayed over, breakfast would just appear for me without me asking. Those things meant everything. As a family, we will never forget them.”
Now, determined to honour Sophie’s memory and support the hospice that cared for her, a large group of family and friends will take on the Yorkshire Three Peaks on 11 July. The challenge covers 24 miles, three peaks, and 5,360ft of elevation, all within 12 hours.
“We wanted to do something that felt as big as Sophie’s strength,” Emma said. “It’s going to be tough, but nothing compared to what she went through. We’ll be thinking of her every step of the way.”
The group has already begun training and hopes the challenge will raise both money for Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice and awareness of ovarian cancer symptoms – something Sophie herself was passionate about after experiencing delays in diagnosis.
“Sophie shared her story on TikTok and with local newspapers because she wanted to help others,” Emma added. “If this challenge can raise money for Sue Ryder and help even one person recognise symptoms earlier, then that’s everything.”
The family is encouraging people to support their fundraising and follow their progress in the lead up to the challenge. You can donate here: www.justgiving.com/page/foroursoph
For more information about Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice, visit www.sueryder.org/wheatfields