A woman who suffered a life-threatening brain haemorrhage while out with her partner and young daughter has defied the odds to walk, talk and rebuild her life.
Sophie Dougherty, from Broadstairs, was just 28 when she collapsed after suddenly feeling lightheaded and nauseous.
She lay down in the back of a car but began suffering seizures moments later. Her partner dialled 999 as her condition rapidly worsened.
Paramedics arrived within minutes. Operational team leader Rob Macer and crewmates Karl Graham and Edward Ashby found Sophie deteriorating fast – her seizures were ongoing, and her oxygen levels had dropped to dangerous levels.
Suspecting a bleed on the brain, they rushed her to the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital in Margate before she was transferred under blue lights to King’s College Hospital in London, where neurosurgeons were waiting.
There, Sophie was diagnosed with a ruptured aneurysm that had triggered a brain haemorrhage, stroke and spinal cord infarction.
She underwent multiple emergency operations and spent more than six months in hospital, including time in intensive care. A tracheostomy was fitted to help her breathe, and doctors warned her family she might never walk or talk again.
But six years on, Sophie, now 34, has regained both her speech and mobility – and is now using her experience to help others through her work with stroke charities.
“They were brilliant with my family, and I cannot thank them enough,” she said of the ambulance crew.
“My daughter, Jade, was seven, and although she was extremely scared, she remembers the kindness they showed in that scary time.”
Sophie has also credited Jade, now 13, for playing a vital role in her recovery – balancing school life with caring responsibilities far beyond her years.
“Jade’s been my rock,” she 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.”
Earlier this month, the pair visited Thanet’s Make Ready Centre, where they were reunited with two members of the original ambulance crew.
“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.”
