About Sophie
Sophie Drury was 34 when she died of ovarian cancer on April 5th 2008.
She packed more into those 34 years than most of us do in a lifetime. Sophie lived with cancer, never allowed the disease to dictate her life and she continued with her loves of sport, people, partying, shopping, food and fashion until the very end. Her passion and zest for life were infectious. Everyone who met Sophie was inspired by her.
At the end of 1999 Sophie was confirmed as having stage III ovarian cancer. Despite her initial fear Sophie resolved to beat the disease. She endured round after round of debilitating chemotherapy and numerous major operations. After each she bounced back with that indomitable smile that had such an impact on everyone she met.
Sophie’s initial treatment was in the UK but continued in France and eventually Germany as she and her husband Rob moved around Europe with his work. Sophie overcame the difficulties of dealing with different languages, systems and cultures with her usual panache becoming popular with nurses, oncologists and surgeons immediately.
Sophie was determined to live her life to the full and was extremely active. She adored running and the freedom it gave her. She went skiing regularly, scuba dived and even trekked in the Himalayas. There was always an adventure just around the corner for Sophie.
Sophie’s style was to live life to the full and beyond! She made people look at themselves and understand that cancer does not mean that you stop living. She also taught all of us that we should make the most of every day and not get dragged down by the little inconveniences in life.
Sophie’s quality of life diminished significantly in the last few months of her life to the point where she would struggle to walk her beloved dog Billy. However, she continued to plan for the things that were still within her abilities. She returned to the UK and her family in April 2008 and died 3 days later at Prospect Hospice, her trip to museums in London for the following week left to be done.
Throughout Sophie had the love and support of her devoted husband Rob – they doted on each other and she absolutely adored him. She also had a huge network of wonderful family and friends who provided incredible support from helping with driving to chemotherapy appointments to sending her amusing emails and letters and laughing and crying with her.
Her death has left a huge void in so many lives but her spirit and joie de vivre must live on. Sophie was an inspiration to people during her life. She changed people. This incredible ability and charisma Sophie demonstrated is the motivation behind Sophie’s Legacy.
Sophie’s Legacy is about inspiring cancer sufferers, supporting the carers and families through Sophie’s chosen charities and remembering Sophie and the passion she brought to living.
We adored you gorgeous girl and miss you like crazy – may your legacy help and support others and sprinkle some of your sunshine onto their lives.