Tributes for Christchurch detective who wed soulmate before dying of cancer

A police officer who battled a rare form of blood cancer for more than two years married her “soulmate” in the final days of her life.

Detective Constable Sophie Moore, 29, married fellow police officer and partner Koryn just two days before her death last Thursday, February 26, following a lengthy battle with an aggressive cancer.

In August 2023, a bruised rib sent Moore to her GP.

The following month, she was diagnosed with Peripheral T-Cell Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, a rare blood cancer that affects less than 4% of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma sufferers.

Based in Christchurch, Moore underwent more than 10 rounds of chemotherapy and two stem cell transplants, including one from a donor.

Sophie Moore underwent a 30-month battle with Peripheral Tcell Lymphoma, a rare and aggressive cancer. Photo / Givealittle

Despite the treatment, her cancer relapsed in August 2024 because of the aggressive nature of the disease.

Her mother, Monica Moore, said her daughter and Koryn chose to marry in the days leading up to her death, marking a deeply emotional chapter in their relationship.

Together, the pair have given more than 22 years of public service in the police.

“It was the most beautiful rip your heart out ceremony we’ve had the privilege to be part of,” Monica Moore wrote in a post to Facebook.

“Sophie spent her life as a protector.

“Although she’s the youngest, she was always looking out for her big brothers, me and the people she cared about, which was almost everyone.

“As a police officer and detective, she ran toward the things others run away from.”

Sophie Moore received a commendation for bravery. Photo / Givealittle

Moore said her daughter had even received a commendation for her bravery.

“Her greatest strength wasn’t just her courage – it was her heart.

“Sophie fought this illness with the same tenacity she brought to her work.

“She had a deep empathy for ‘her clients’ but firm boundaries – Sophie was not to be messed with.

“She was a deeply caring, super kind soul who dedicated her life to others.

“She was also hilarious, disciplined, a great cook, told the best stories, smart, insightful, stunningly beautiful without trying and just so so loved.”

Moore said that last year, partner Koryn had found a CAR-T cell therapy option at the National University Hospital of Singapore.

“Koryn had found the Singapore treatment that got Sophie into remission and more recently difficult to access meds from overseas,” Moore said.

The couple packed up and spent four months together in Singapore while Moore underwent treatment.

Scans from late August showed she had responded to the therapy and was in remission.

But despite going into remission, Moore became unwell again in late February this year.

“The speed at which [Koryn] got anything sorted for Sophie was testament to who she is and their love.

“Koryn is Sophie’s soul mate and her love and strength is incredible.

“We are so proud of the woman [Sophie] was and the lives she touched.

“She is our hero, forever and always.

“Loving you changed our lives; it should come as no surprise that losing you has done the same.”

Moore will be laid to rest in Christchurch on Sunday.