The first time I saw Susana was on an bike ride a little over ten years ago. It was impossible to take your eyes off her. She was stunningly beautiful, always in some spectacular outfit, and with an aura of fun around her.

It took a few rides till we started speaking with each other. After that we started hanging out and became a part of the core clique that did London cycling events. I remember this time as the golden years, between 2014-15.

It was at some point during those years Susana received the harsh blow of a breast cancer diagnosis. In no way did this stop or hold her back, rather the opposite.

She became an accomplished athlete doing triathlons, bicycle races, and found a great love for running. Park runs, ten kilometer runs, half marathons, marathons, and even ultra marathons.

Things started to look brighter when the cancer went into remission. Unfortunately in late 2018 it came back even worse, Susana was given a stage 4 diagnosis.

This still didn’t stop her from living life to the fullest.

Notably she became a much appreciated pilates instructor. Her instagram Puppilates classes are legendary. During the early weeks of first lockdown her adorable dog, Gwyn, had a litter of puppies. Susana was surrounded by these cuties during those classes (find the classes on her instagram).

Not unexpected, but still coming as a shock. Susana passed away Saturday the first of June at St Bartholowmew’s hospital in London.

(By Peter Sharp-Gerou)