One thing I’ve noticed since Phil passed away in 2022 is that life doesn’t stop. One day you have one of the biggest characters and personalities in your life, and the next day they’re gone. Since we lost Phil at the age of 28 (born six days before me), it has been the mission of his family and friends to ensure his big goals and outlook toward life are never forgotten. Running NYC is another way to show all the unexpressed love we have for Phil and to remind ourselves that he will never truly leave us.

This is a race Phil would have absolutely done, not only because he lived in NYC but because he loved challenging himself. So we are running it for him, to make sure he gets his medal and to celebrate him in a city he loved so much.

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It is impossible to sum up Phil’s life in a few sentences, and I could never fully capture the influence he had on everyone he met, but I’d like to share a few stories about the Phil I knew.

He had a remarkable ability to make you feel as though you could do anything in life. It wasn’t always like that, though. Phil actually started out as my arch-nemesis in sports at the age of eight. Tennis, hockey, football (anything with rules and a winner) found us going head to head. I was always envious of his athletic ability; the coaches adored him, and he had an engine like no one I had ever met (which explains a lot later in life and his drive to overcome obstacles)

As we grew older, the competition remained, but our friendship became one of finding the fun in life, of not letting life get too serious, and of laughing at ourselves. He had an infectious laugh that could be heard across restaurants. I remember visiting him in NYC a few times before his diagnosis, and I vividly recall feeling on top of the world. We may not have talked as often as we would have liked between those visits, but when it was your turn, he was your number-one fan.

That is the Phil I remember. He has been with me on so many journeys, chatting away in my ear and cheering me on, as I am sure he has for many others.

You can read more about Phil’s story and the ways we have celebrated him here: https://sarcoma.org.uk/news/siblings-tackle-tough-climbing-challenge-in-memory-of-their-brother/

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Sarcoma UK played a vital role in trying to keep Phil alive and we will be forever in debt to their work in tackling this disease.

Sarcomas are uncommon cancers affecting muscles, bones, tendons, blood vessels, and fatty tissues. Despite their rarity, around 15 people are diagnosed every day in the UK—and there are approximately 100 different types of sarcoma.

Sarcoma UK is the national charity funding critical research, providing essential family support, and advocating for better treatments and outcomes. Sarcoma UK provides direct practical support to families, helping cover essential costs they may otherwise struggle to afford. including:

- Transportation expenses for traveling to and from hospital appointments and treatments.

- Assistance with everyday essentials such as meals, groceries, and prescriptions.

- Guidance and support accessing welfare benefits, alleviating financial pressures during critical times.

Every penny makes a direct impact:

£5 buys 100 petri dishes to grow cancer cells for vital tests.

£10 covers 150 disposable pipette tips, crucial in lab research.

£15 funds 10 support-line calls for families facing a sarcoma crisis.

£20 pays for 200 text messages to Sarcoma UK's invaluable Support Line.

£30 covers 1 hour of microscope research, vital for new breakthroughs.

£40 enables over 30 phone calls to the Support Line, supporting families at their toughest moments.

£75 can run the Support Line for an entire week.

£100 processes and preserves 3 tumour samples, fueling critical discoveries.

Your donation doesn't just fund medical research—it provides immediate relief and practical help to families coping with sarcoma, especially those experiencing financial hardship.