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
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Thank you to my Sponsors
£133.75
Mary Reynolds
£33.44
Madhu Chauhan
In memory of Philippa.
£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
£66.88
Susan Milbank
Dearest PhillyB, the epitome of Grace, you will always be remembered, and for all those going through treatment xx
£66.88
Jen O’connell
In memory of Philippa
£66.88
Jo Rice
£66.88
John Ward
£26.75
Philip Middleton
In memory of Philippa. Lots of love, Phil Middleton
£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
£62.50
Wayne Massey
With love from the Massey Family
£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!
£93.75
Raj Shah
In loving memory of Philippa , Raj, Emily & all at Litchfields
£267.50
Sigrid Brenninkmeijer
Our deepest condolences and may the many happy memories be a consolation in these trying times Victoria and Sigrid Brenninkmeijer
£33.44
Hazel Gillett
£66.88
Paul Gapper
In memory of a wonderful woman
£62.50
Elizabeth Hopkirk
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.
£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.
£37.50
Kathleen Lindsay
In memory of a truly beautiful woman.
£26.75
Beth Ambrose
£62.50
Rupert Edwards
With every blessing
£62.50
Andrew Pendry
£26.75
Barry Mcgovern
With loving memories of Philly a very special person Barry & Janet
£6.25
Elise Pelly
£62.50
David Satchell
£26.75
Wendy Jackson
£66.88
Jennifer Ross
It was lovely to have known you. Love Jane
£26.75
Cynth Ds
For Philippa - a shining star amidst the darkness of this disease x
£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.
£66.88
Sandra Mclean
In memory if Phillipa Aunty Marj, Sandra and family
£120
Jean Hobbs
£100.31
Anna, Clare & Joe Obrien
£25
Sara Jenkins
In honour of Philippa who was a beautiful lady inside and out.
£133.75
James Thomson
£26.75
Javier Family
£133.75
Katie Wilkinson
A wonderful charity supported by a wonderful person.
£13.38
Gemma Eade
£62.50
Frazer Macintosh
Love always Frazer xx
£187.50
Sam Stephens
£66.88
Kathy Kielty
£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
£66.88
James Hill
£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
£50
Luke Rustad
In memory of a lovely, and truly genuine person.
£12.50
Nicola Zoumidou
In memory of Philippa O'Brien (nee Benge).
£25
Eleanor Rigg
With much love to Philippa's family. She was a very special woman, colleague and friend x
£20
Jean Allsopp
£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
£66.88
Edith Kirkwood
£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..
£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
Sue Hussey
Giving thanks for the friendship of a kind, faithful, funny, beautiful woman.
£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.
£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
£625
Ryan Davies
£21.40
Marian Morris
In fondest memory of dear Philly, a beautiful woman.
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