'I was given shock diagnosis after collapsing at work - now I have less than 10 years to live'
A mum was dealt the devastating news that she has less than 10 years to live after she collapsed at work and was given a shocking diagnosis.
Sophie Reid suddenly collapsed at work and was left "utterly horrified" as she tried to call for help, but no words came out. The 37-year-old hairstylist thought she was dying before falling unconscious for five minutes, and temporarily stopped breathing.
"I didn't know what was going on, and I genuinely felt like I was dying.
"I thought I was having a stroke – it was absolutely terrifying – because nothing verbally was working.
"I had been doing a client's hair and went over to grab some products. My colleagues and I were making each other laugh, but then I collapsed on the floor and stared blankly at the ceiling," she told NeedToKnow.
"I tried as hard as I could to ask what I was doing and tell them something was wrong, but no words were coming out."
Her colleagues called an ambulance, and Sophie, who hails from Jersey, was rushed to hospital. Tests were carried out, and it was revealed that she had suffered a seizure. However, she had a gut feeling that something else wasn't quite right, so she visited her local GP, who was "shocked" to discover that a scan had not been offered, and referred her for one.
In October 2024, further tests were carried out, and it confirmed that Sophie had lesions on the brain, which were cancerous.
"I was completely shocked. I started to think back on the last few weeks and realised there had been signs I wasn't quite right," she explains.
"My friends and family had said they noticed I looked a bit off balance. And I'd recently suffered a loss, so I put it all down to grief.
"When I saw the results confirming a brain tumour, I froze. It never even crossed my mind, as other than a few wobbly walks, I felt fine."
She was taken in an air ambulance to Southampton Hospital to undergo an MRI. "I was petrified and devastated," the mum of four to Kyla, 12 and Alex, 11, as well as step kids Connor, 15, and Joseph, 12, shares.
"All I could think about was how I was going to tell my children – and if I would be around to see them grow up. But the next morning, I was told to carry on with life as normal until I could have a biopsy.
"I didn't know how long that would take, and my life was hanging in the balance."
In an attempt to get some answers sooner, Sophie went private with support from her husband, Jordan, 41. Another MRI confirmed the tumour had "quickly grown" and that it urgently needed to be removed.
Sophie spent £22,000 on a craniotomy through private health care, due to an 18-month waiting list otherwise, which removed 90% of the tumour. However, the results revealed that it was incurable, and she was given less than 10 years to live. The brain tumour measured 4.8cm - the same size as a small lime.
"Finding out the full extent of my brain tumour was devastating," she says. "As a mum, I kept thinking about how I'd protect my kids from all of this. They're still so little.
"It wasn't just fear – it was heartbreak. I grieved the normal life we once had.
"At the same time, though, everything became more precious; every cuddle, laugh and moment. They're my strength in all of this and keep me going."
She is now due to start chemotherapy for a year, which is hoped to delay her deterioration and give her precious time with her family.
The financial burden has taken a toll as Sophie is unable to work, and in a bid to raise money, they've set up a JustGiving page, with £6,424 out of £9,000 donated so far.
Reflecting on her shock diagnosis, while hoping to raise awareness of brain tumours, Sophie shares, "The salon is quite a triggering place now. I also have issues with processing words and being in busy, crowded places with lots of noise.
"It's had such a massive impact on my family, especially the children. I can't imagine how it must feel being told that your mum is dying."
She continues, "The cost of living here is incredibly high, and while we've had some support from a local charity, this only covered a few months. I'm struggling to keep on top of everything.
"It's physically draining worrying about potentially becoming homeless and not being able to feed your kids. But I'm coping quite well despite everything.
"I'm focusing on today, making memories with my kids and holding onto hope. Each day I'm here is a gift.
"I can't help but wonder how different things might be [if the scan had been carried out in the first instance]. There's definitely anger, sadness and a deep sense of what if. But I know staying in that place won't help me heal.
"After the initial shock, all I can do is spread my story and support others going through cancer. It's okay to advocate for yourself and to know you're not alone. And push for answers, as time plays such a big factor between life and death."
Simon West, medical director for Health and Care Jersey, said: "While I'm unable to comment on individual patients or the care that they receive from Health and Care Jersey, I appreciate that it must be a deeply worrying and upsetting time for a patient and their family when they learn that they have a brain tumour.
"I would like to reassure Islanders that Health and Care Jersey has medical pathways in place to provide patients with good evidence-based care and that appropriate scans and treatments are available free of charge for eligible Jersey residents.
"I, along with the Minister for Health and Social Services, have met with Ms Reid to listen to her concerns. Learning about patient experiences is invaluable in helping us to improve services. As a department, we are committed to continuously working to improve the delivery of care to Jersey residents and visitors."
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