Kentish Express Ashford & District
Sophie’s Army raises £1,500 for hospital
A teenage girl has raised more than £1,500 for the children’s ward at the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford.
Sophie Harris, 14, from Hawkinge, is being treated for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL leukaemia) after being diagnosed at the age of 11.
Two years ago, after just starting secondary school at Folkestone Grammar School for Girls, Sophie went to a sleepover at her friend’s house when she began to feel unwell.
Her mum, Sally Cook, said: “She rang me to say she wasn’t feeling well. She had severe shoulder pain.
“I took her to the doctors and we ended up being sent to the Padua Ward, where she was diagnosed with leukaemia.
“Up until December that year she was in and out of hospital as she had nasty side effects from the treatment.
“It was really hard for her. She was just two days into a new school when it all began.”
However, she didn’t let her illness stop her and, with the help of family and friends, began Sophie’s Army – a group dedicated to raising money for charities and awareness of ALL leukaemia.
Over the past two years, Sophie’s Army has raised money for the Little Princess Trust and CLIC Sargent, a cancer charity for children and young people, with members taking part in Tough Mudder and running a halfmarathon.
The most recent fundraiser was a charity quiz night at Hawkinge Cricket Club, where more than £1,500 was raised for the Padua Ward. Sally said: “The Padua Ward was like a second home to us at times.
“The nurses were really lovely so we wanted to give something back. The quiz night was really good and we’re so thankful to the Hawkinge Cricket Club for arranging it all.”
Having recently celebrated her 14th birthday, Sophie is doing really well and is hoping to end her treatment later this year.
Sally said: “Sophie’s just gone into Year 9 at and has started her options so is making lots of new friends.
“Although she hates taking her medication, she is so determined. We’ll be having a really big celebration on New Year’s for her ending her treatment!”