A young woman who survived a devastating brain haemorrhage, stroke and spinal cord infarction caused by a ruptured aneurysm has been reunited with the ambulance crew who helped save her life.
Sophie Dougherty, now 34, from Broadstairs in Kent, met two members of the team who responded when she collapsed in 2019, an emotional milestone after years of recovery that have seen her defy the odds.
Sophie was just 28 when she fell seriously ill on 6 October 2019 while out with her partner and young daughter, Jade. Feeling suddenly lightheaded and nauseous, she laid down in the back of their vehicle. Moments later, she began experiencing seizures, and so her partner dialled 999.
Within minutes, Operational Team Leader Rob Macer and crewmates Karl Graham and Edward Ashby arrived on scene. Sophie’s condition was rapidly deteriorating, her seizures ongoing, and her oxygen levels dangerously low. The trio acted fast to stabilise her and transport her to the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital in Margate, suspecting a bleed on the brain.
Recognising the severity of her condition, Sophie was given a blue-light transfer to King’s College Hospital in London, where specialist neurosurgeons were on standby. Sophie underwent multiple emergency operations and spent more than six months in hospital, including time in intensive care, and was fitted with a tracheostomy to help her breathe.
Doctors initially warned Sophie’s family that she may never walk or talk again. But six years later, she has not only regained her speech and mobility, but she’s also now using her experience to help others by volunteering for stroke charities.
Earlier this month, Sophie visited Thanet’s Make Ready Centre with Jade, now 13, to thank Rob and Ed in person. Throughout her recovery, Sophie has been supported by Jade, who has become her main carer. While balancing school and her teenage years, Jade has taken on responsibilities well beyond her years to look after her mum, something Sophie describes as heroic.
Sophie is encouraging everyone to learn how to recognise the warning signs of a stroke by remembering the BE FAST acronym. For more information, click here.
“They were brilliant with my family, and I cannot thank them enough. Sophie said. “My daughter was seven and although she was extremely scared, she remembers the kindness they showed in that scary time.”
“Jade’s been my rock,” Sophie said. “She’s had to grow up so quickly, but she’s never once complained. I honestly don’t know how I’d have coped without her.”
“It’s not often we get to see the long-term outcomes of the patients we help,” said Rob. “Seeing Sophie doing so well and knowing the role Jade has played in that is incredibly moving. It’s why we do what we do.”
Ed added “I’ve always wondered what happened to Sophie, and so it was extremely rewarding for us to get the opportunity to reunite with her six years on. Jade should be incredibly proud of what she’s done, and continues to do for her mum.”