Sophie’S Story

For a long time after the car crash, I felt guilty that because of me Mum’s life was put on hold. She never made me feel that way – she always supported me with great grace – but just as my life changed dramatically, hers did, too.

The day before it happened, I’d hugged her goodbye at the airport, both of us believing I was embarking on a new, independent chapter of my life. We had no idea that by the time the sunny summer’s weekend was over, I’d be propelled back to an almost childlike dependence on her. In the following weeks and months she became my nurse, my confidante at my lowest moments as well as my cheerleader in finding a way back to living a ‘normal’ life.

In August 2003 I flew to Inverness to collect my A-level results from my boarding school, Gordonstoun. I got the grades I needed to study law at the University of Manchester and went to a party with friends to celebrate. I was 18 and still remember how carefree I felt. In the

Describe each other Sophie Carol Sophie Carol Carol Carol

Beautiful, strong, funny. Driven, positive, generous.

Their worst habit?

She complains about people eating too noisily.

She plays her music far too loud.

When you’re together... Sophie

We’re planning to ride around Scotland on my adapted motorbike. She has endless energy – it’s exhausting keeping up with her!

Your favourite memory of each other? Sophie

Horse riding with her when I was little.

The year before her accident, laughing so hard we both fell into a river in France.

Sophie with mum carol in 2011 and, above left, aged two