A PRIDE of Jersey award-winner with incurable cancer has announced plans to set up a new foundation supporting islanders with neurological illnesses, following a year that has seen her become a prominent advocate for patients and road safety.
Sophie Reid, who was named both Ambassador of the Year and recipient of the Gary Burgess Award at Thursday night’s emotional awards ceremony hosted by the JEP at the Royal Jersey Showground, shared the news via video message.
“Wow, I honestly didn’t expect this. Thank you so much. To even be nominated alongside so many incredible Islanders is an honour… to win means more than I can put into words,” she said.
The mother and hair salon owner was diagnosed with a brain tumour just over a year ago, an experience she said changed her “whole world overnight”.
“I went from running my salon and being a mum to brain surgery, treatment and recovery. It’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but what I’ve learned through all of it is that there is so much strength in vulnerability,” she said.
Since her diagnosis, Mrs Reid has shared her journey with ’Bob the Glob’ – her affectionate name for her tumour – with her followers – or ‘globbers’ – on TikTok.
She has also campaigned for brain tumour care in Jersey to be brought in line with NICE guidelines, which are seen as the gold-standard in care in the UK, and set up her own brain tumour support group.
Beyond health advocacy, she also campaigned in favour of harsher penalties for causing death by dangerous driving, following the deaths of her friends, father and son Dean and Charlie Lowe.
A new hit-and-run offence for failing to stop and report an accident and to provide assistance to injured people following a serious or fatal injury was approved by the States Assembly in May.
Reflecting on her experience, Mrs Reid paid tribute to her support network and the wider community.
“I wouldn’t be standing here today without the people who carried me through – my family, my friends, my clients, my community – every single one of you who showed me kindness, patience and love when I needed it most.”
She said the award represented not just her personal story, but the collective strength of islanders who “believe that change starts when we care enough to speak out.”
“That’s exactly what I plan to keep doing,” she continued. “My next chapter is about using my experience to help others, setting up the Sophie Reid Neurological Foundation, which will support islanders living with neurological illnesses and ensure that no one has to face those challenges alone.”
Ms Reid added: “I want to turn what I’ve been through into something lasting – something that gives hope, comfort and a voice to those who need it most.”
Closing her speech with a message of gratitude and optimism, she said:
“Thank you again for believing in me, for standing beside me and for showing that even in the hardest moments, Jersey’s community spirit shines the brightest – because together, we really can make a difference.”
