Mummies Memories

Please read, the below is Sophies story, written by her mum:

“I want to start by saying I would like to thank Eve’s Trust; the whole team and especially Baileigh who goes above and beyond to fulfil dreams and provide some hope and happiness for families during incredibly tough times. We cannot thank the charity enough for making Sophie and Remi's dream come true.

Sophie, my beautiful daughter, was diagnosed with a Grade 4 Glioblastoma in June 2023. She was only 21 years old, and a mummy to baby Remi at the time, who was only 14 months old. This news absolutely shattered her entire world and ours. It is hard to put into words how we felt being given this diagnosis. As a mum and nanny, all I wanted to do was to protect them both.

Sophie had to leave her job which she loved, caring for others. She also lost her independence as she could no longer drive. She moved back to home, for support and respite, and at the same time, became a single mum to Remi.

A couple of weeks after diagnosis, we were given the devastating news that Sophie had an average of 12 to 18 months to live. As you can imagine this news was like being hit by a train and our family was heartbroken. The past two and a half years have been a rollercoaster, squeezing and making memories in between treatments, hospital appointments, whilst trying to keep life as normal as possible for Remi.

The first year of diagnosis Sophie underwent intensive radiotherapy and chemotherapy and two lots of brain surgery. Sophie showed such resilience, and an outstanding positive attitude, to live!! Sadly, none of the treatments worked and the NHS said we were out of options. Once again, we were receiving devastating news. But we were not going to give up – Sophie continued to remain positive and her positivity was infectious and spurred us on.

I had already started to fundraise for Sophie as I had been given some exceptionally good advice from a wonderful mum whose son was sadly on the same journey as Sophie. There was a clinic in Germany that could offer Sophie a fighting chance and prolong her life. We had some hope and would do anything to give Sophie this chance. Our friends, family, and community everywhere, and even strangers have rallied round and raised money for Sophie to be able to access treatment abroad in Germany. This treatment alongside holistic medication, and oxygen therapy, I believe, has played a part in her being here today. The tumour has shrunk and is currently stable – it is a miracle and we pray and are thankful for this every day.

Sophie is amazing, and fights everything that is thrown at her with such determination. She gets up every day and is the best mummy to Remi. She is once again living on her own and bringing her son up independently. Remi is such a lovely little boy and an absolute credit to her. I am beyond proud of her resilience and positive attitude.

I really wanted Sophie to have a treat, and she has been mentioning going to Legoland with Remi for some time. I reached out to Eve’s Trust and that started the ball rolling. We did not have to do anything. Our dream coordinator, Baileigh, worked tirelessly (I know most was out of her working hours too) to make Sophie and Remi’s dream come true - she is an absolute superstar, providing the kind of personal attention that I know the charity prides itself on. Evestrust thought of absolutely everything and made everything so stress free. Me and Sophie's stepdad took Sophie down to Windsor so they could enjoy two nights at Legoland which was fantastic.

Baileigh said it was important to the charity to eliminate the stress of Sophie and Remi having to get lots of trains and have a tiring journey, so they even thought about transport and instead purchased a fuel voucher for us to be able to take them! Remi was beyond excited and Sophie was over the moon. It also meant she had quality time and could make some fantastic memories with Remi without having to think about other things. For a while, she could forget her illness and just be a mummy having a lovely holiday with her little boy.

Evestrust didn’t stop there, they even invited us to meet and have tea with Santa, which was a lovely Christmas treat. Remi received so many lovely gifts, making sure Christmas was also incredible -we all had an amazing time and Remi was truly spoiled.

Words cannot express our thanks for everything you have done for us. We are so grateful to Baileigh, the whole staff, and everyone who donates and supports Eve’s Trust. It is thanks to all of you that families like ours can have some respite and make treasured memories. Thank you sincerely.

Eve Merton – what an amazing legacy you have left behind.

💖