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Stories about Sophie

Article in paper 2013

A young girl from Feltham, after fighting with cancer for 10 years, managed to raise an outstanding £16,000 for four charities. Sophie was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) in 2003, and has seen her cancer come back at least three times since. She has opted to try a new clinical trial 'CD19' which requires her to have a second bone marrow transplant on March 24.

Sophie Ryan-Palmer was belle of the ball at her charity evening organised with the help of mum Debbie Ryan, last Saturday (Feb 23). Support from family and friends was overwhelming for the 12-year-old with more than 150 people attending Super Sophie's charity night at St Richards Church hall in Hanworth.

She said: "It was a brilliant fantastic night which made my dream come true to raise so much money for my four charities, I will cherish this evening forever. There were so many family, friends and supporters - I was speechless that all these people had turned up for me. It was quite nice when I arrived in the pink limo with my friends and everyone was clapping as I walked in. I felt so special in my pretty dress and tiara. A big thank you to the universe in helping me to help these charities."

As host on the night Sophie gave a heart warming speech, performed a dance with two friends and had her shaved off by hairdressers from the House of Stewart salon in Sunbury.

Funds were raised through raffles, a silent auction, an online sponsor page, and fundraisers and cake sales by family, sponsors, and pupils at Bishop Wand School in Sunbury, where Sophie attends. Money will be split between charities; Children with Cancer, Anthony Nolan Trust, Rays of Sunshine and Charley Paige Trust.

Sophie spent her 12th birthday on February 11 in isolation in Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), but as always with a smile especially when doctors came in wearing masks to sing Happy Birthday.

She returned to GOSH for more chemotherapy treatment, and will go in for the conditioning of the transplant (more chemo) on March 16, followed by the transplant on March 24.

Article in paper July 2007

A courageous six-year-old girl from Feltham will take part in this year's Race for Life to raise money for charity - despite her own ongoing battle with leukaemia.

Sophie Ryan-Palmer, of Rochester Avenue, will be running in aid of Cancer Research on July 22.

She will be joined by her cousin Shannon, childminder Rachel, auntie Michele and friend Mary. More than 50 family and friends are expected to watch Sophie take part in the event at Kempton Park.

The youngster was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2003 at the age of two. She was treated at Great Ormond Street and West Middlesex hospitals, where she endured a gruelling course of antibiotics, blood tests, chemotherapy and frequent hospital stays.

Sophie's mum Debbie Ryan thanked Show Presentation Services in Northholt, Middlesex, where she has worked for 11 years as a project manager, for being supportive during her daughter's illness.

She said: "They are a fantastic company and who have given me a lot of time off to allow me to take Sophie to hospital appointments. I couldn't ask for a better company for being supportive."

Miss Ryan, 36, added she was shocked when the audio visual company presented her with a cheque for an all-expenses paid holiday to Lapland in December 2004.

The family celebrated when Sophie was given the all-clear in March 2006.

But their happiness was short-lived when a blood test revealed the leukaemia had returned. They were told the news in January this year in a phonecall from a consultant at Great Ormand Street hospital.

Miss Ryan reflected: "I was left in total shock when I was told the news as I thought Sophie was in the clear. I found it very hard to understand, because she had been so healthy and so well."

Sophie attends Beauclerc Infant School, in Sunbury, where teacher Mrs Brockway organised a sponsored silence for the pupil, and raised £500.

Family friends also raised funds for Sophie by organising an evening out in Twickenham in March. More than 80 people attended and donated £585.

The little girl refused to let her illness take control of her life by pledging to run in this year's race for life to help fellow cancer sufferers.

Miss Ryan said: "I think she is an inspiration for other people by already raised £2,800 and I am very proud to have a brave princess who wants to something to help others by doing Race For Life.

"I look to her and think wow'.

"Despite being poorly she was always dancing while a patient in Great Ormond Street Hospital.

"She is very close to her childminder Rachel, who has been very supportive while looking after a child with cancer in her care".

"I am having T-shirts made by the company Chameleon Graphics and a banner courtesy of Enigma to make it a day that Sophie will never forget."

Help Sophie reach her sponsorship target of £3,500.00, visit raceforlife sponsorme.org/sophieryan-palmer

Article out of the local paper 8th August 2007

A six-year old girl, who is currently battling leukaemia, has smashed her sponsorship target after taking part in Race for Life at Kempton Park.

Sophie Ryan-Palmer of Rochester Avenue, Feltham, appeared in the Staines Guardian last month appealing for sponsorship. She has now surpassed the £3,500 target she aimed to raise for Cancer Research.

More than 50 family and friends witnessed Sophie complete the 5km course in one hour and 21 minutes two weeks ago.

Debbie Ryan, Sophie's mother, said: "Sophie has raised £4,124 so far, and more money is coming in. She has had quite a lot of chemotherapy in the last 10 days but she was such a star. She even had to go for chemo at West Middlesex hospital after the race."

If you would like to sponsor Sophie, visit raceforlifesponsorme.org/ sophieryan-palmer.