In Memory Philippa O'Brien, 16 Aug 1974 - 17 Sep 2024
Philippa O'Brien (nee Benge) died on 17 September 2024 just 4 weeks after celebrating her 50th birthday. Her death followed a diagnosis of ovarian cancer in December 2021.
The symptoms of ovarian cancer are often hidden and caught late; the disease spreads around the abdomen and beyond, and can become hard to treat. Whilst new treatments have emerged which help women manage the disease, Philippa largely didn't respond which resulted in many associated problems, such as bowel obstruction. In the end, chemotherapy, surgery and other treatments were unable to stop the spread, resulting in her sad death.
Throughout the period, Philippa found great support from other women who had ovarian cancer, and she herself supported women who were embarking on a similar path she had already trodden. In particular, Philippa found a community of women experiencing similar journeys through the charity Ovacome.
In April 2023, Philippa was chosen as one of the models for The Touch of Teal fundraising event. Unfortunately, due to recent surgery, she had to pull out of being a model on the day itself but she attended the event alongside family and friends and we all had a wonderful afternoon. This photo was taken at the event. Philippa was awarded the prize for being the most successful fundraiser out of all the models!
Philippa made a specific request in her funeral wishes that, if any guests had considered giving flowers, or wanted to make a contribution in her name, she would dearly love this contribution to go to Ovacome.
You can make a contribution and dedication to Philippa on this page.
Thank you, Martin x
My Achievements
Fundraising page
Updated Profile Pic
Added a Blog Post
Received 5 Donations
Reached Goal
Increased Target
Thank you to my Sponsors
£62.50
Elizabeth Hopkirk
£187.50
Sam Stephens
£62.50
Frazer Macintosh
Love always Frazer xx
£120
Jean Hobbs
£133.75
Katie Wilkinson
A wonderful charity supported by a wonderful person.
£66.88
Sandra Mclean
In memory if Phillipa Aunty Marj, Sandra and family
£133.75
James Thomson
£62.50
Wayne Massey
With love from the Massey Family
£62.50
Rupert Edwards
With every blessing
£267.50
Sigrid Brenninkmeijer
Our deepest condolences and may the many happy memories be a consolation in these trying times Victoria and Sigrid Brenninkmeijer
£66.88
Sue Hussey
Giving thanks for the friendship of a kind, faithful, funny, beautiful woman.
£26.75
Beth Ambrose
£26.75
Javier Family
£100.31
Anna, Clare & Joe Obrien
£21.40
Marian Morris
In fondest memory of dear Philly, a beautiful woman.
£62.50
Jenny Sawyer
Philly was a wonderful person who will be sorely missed. It is so sad that this disease has taken her too soon. x
£30
Irene Wood
Philippa was such a lovely person, so full of life. It’s hard to believe she isn’t with us any more.
£133.75
Mary Reynolds
Our condolences to Martin and the Benge family, we have fond memories of Phillipa, all growing up in Ridgeway Road together. Babysitting, playing and growing up together (the swing being dug up from 25 to be transported to 23. Rest in peace. The Reynolds family
£26.75
Cynth Ds
For Philippa - a shining star amidst the darkness of this disease x
£26.75
Natalie Watson
Philippa you were such an inspiration so full of Jesus thank you for encouraging me and bringing me closer to Jesus. We dressed similarly & you were such a great Life group leader!!! Thank you for all the fun & adventures we had at St Paul’s xx miss your beautiful smile Love Nat Watson (Duff-Cole), Janes, Grace & Isabelle Jen McCole (Duff-Cole), Feilim, Cillian & Rory xxxx
£37.50
Kathleen Lindsay
In memory of a truly beautiful woman.
£66.88
John Ward
£33.44
Madhu Chauhan
In memory of Philippa.
£25
Eleanor Rigg
With much love to Philippa's family. She was a very special woman, colleague and friend x
£93.75
Raj Shah
In loving memory of Philippa , Raj, Emily & all at Litchfields
£50
Luke Rustad
In memory of a lovely, and truly genuine person.
£66.88
Susan Milbank
Dearest PhillyB, the epitome of Grace, you will always be remembered, and for all those going through treatment xx
£33.44
Hazel Gillett
£125
Shelley Pigott
Much missed. Loved being at the Ovacome event with her (when she got the most amazing trainers in the auction!) and seeing how supportive she was of others. Typical Philly. x
£12.50
Nicola Zoumidou
In memory of Philippa O'Brien (nee Benge).
£13.38
Gemma Eade
£66.88
Jen O’connell
In memory of Philippa
£53.50
Joyce Metcalfe
In memory of Philippa, whose beauty and courage will remain with us, always! God bless, From Joyce, James, Lloyd and families - Sleights.
£66.88
Liz Easaw
Blessed to know and love Philippa. She leaves an amazing legacy of love, justice, integrity, hope and faith. Love, Liz x
£50
Don And Evey Heckman
We have all lost an incredible person, who showed so much courage in the face of this terrible disease. We honour her memory with this small gift..
£62.50
David Satchell
£20
Jean Allsopp
£66.88
Jennifer Ross
It was lovely to have known you. Love Jane
£26.75
Philip Middleton
In memory of Philippa. Lots of love, Phil Middleton
£62.50
Andrew Pendry
£62.50
Nigel Edwards
Philippa was a lovely Christian who dealt with her cancer so bravely. And she had so much time for others going through difficult times. My thoughts and prayers are with Martin, Mike and Nicola. With l
£53.50
Ian Mullard
Dearest Philly I will miss you for a while but I know we will meet again. "For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39 Eee
£62.50
Jeff And Maggie Hallett
We have such happy memories of our children playing with Philippa and Nicky when we lived round the corner in Isleworth.
£25
Sara Jenkins
In honour of Philippa who was a beautiful lady inside and out.
£26.75
Wendy Jackson
£26.75
Mary Hallett
I knew Phillipa so long ago when I was best friends with your sister aged 5 and she was just her big sister. We moved away, but her life was clearly so, so full.
£66.88
Paul Gapper
In memory of a wonderful woman
£66.88
Jo Rice
£6.25
Elise Pelly
£625
Ryan Davies
£66.88
Edith Kirkwood
£66.88
Kathy Kielty
£53.50
Kathy Leafe
I am so sorry for all of us left behind that Philly has departed from this world but what a comfort it is to know that she is now with the Lord she loved and served. What a testimony to Him she has been!
£66.88
James Hill
£26.75
Barry Mcgovern
With loving memories of Philly a very special person Barry & Janet
With so much love to Philippa's family. Your wife, daughter, sister, aunt was an extraordinarily special person. It was a privilege to be her friend. I'm praying these donations in Philippa's memory will help fund a scientific breakthrough that will bring this horrible disease to an end for good.