Brave Sophie's story goes online

She tells of how she was first diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia on June 8.

Sophie, who lives with her parents Phil and Jane, in Bicton Heath, Shrewsbury, details her numerous hospital appointments although her main concern is when her friends can next come round to play as her immune system is often too weak for visitors.

As soon as her daughter was diagnosed, Mrs Foxley, 37, gave up her job as deputy manager at the Four Crosses Hotel, Bicton, to look after her full-time.

Mrs Foxley said: "Sophie had not been sleeping very well. She had banged her knee and a had a big bruise and pains in her legs.

"She was sent straight to the hospital and following a blood test, she was diagnosed with leukaemia."

Sophie's 14-year-old brother Tom came up with the idea for the online blog to help his sister's friends and family keep up to date with her news.

Although she has undergone many operations and chemotherapy sessions, she has two more years of treatment ahead of her. Visit http://www.codebrush.com/sophie to read her diary.

Click here to send your messages of goodwill to Sophie:

To Sophie,

You will not remember me but I remember you well along with all the other staff who looked after you at Earlyworld nursery.

You joined us in Peter Rabbits and soon settled in with your winning smile and cheery nature. You enjoyed painting but most of all you enjoyed to talk!!!

You were always keen to tell us about your weekends with Tom and Jenny at circle time and chat to your friends in the quiet corner when you were supposed to be reading (!).

If ever an errand needed doing you were always the first child to offer to do it and we could rely on you to carry it out, thank you.

You were not with us long before school beckoned and off you went with confidence without so much as a backward glance – at this point our part in your formative education was complete.

Those who remember you at Earlyworld were saddened to read about you in the Star today but join me in wishing you well and want you to know that you are in our thoughts.

We are going to follow your progress in your online journal (so that is what blogging is all about!). I am sure that you will be an inspiration to anyone who reads about you.

Take care,

From Nicola Crawford and all at Earlyworld XXXXXX

Dear Sophie,

Anyone as brave as you deserves to get better. Wishing you all the very best for the future and hope all goes well for you and your family.

Love and Luck,

John & Elaine

Dearest sophie,

You are such a brave little girl. I hope you get well soon and will follow your story. Good luck to you and your mum and dad xxxx

Sharnia

Dear Sophie,

We have read about you in the Shropshire Star be strong and happy you will make it. Good luck and best wishes.

The Carley family in Holland

Hi Sophie,

Just writing to tell you that five years ago in July 2001 my little boy was diagnosed with ALL the same as you. He was then only four years old.

He has now had all his treatment and has been off all his medicines for the last two years. He also had all his treatment at Shrewsbury and Birmingham and loved all the doctors and nurses.

He is now nine and doing well off treatment and enjoying life to the full. I wish you all the best for the future and you never know we might see you sometime at clinic.

The Darling Family

Dear Sophie and family,

I was just a bit older then your brother and sister when my Dad was told he had cancer, so I know how they feel sometimes.

The best way we have coped with this time is that we have laughed our way though it its been nearly five years now and he's still here.

My Dad has never hid the fact he has cancer and has been proud with it. So when people look a certain way at you, stand up proud.

And for the rest of the family remdmber, laughter is the best medicine.

All the best and get well.

Luv, Anon

My Dearest Sophie,

I have just read your diary and realise what a mature and very brave little girl you are, I'm sure with the help and guidance of all your lovely friends and family and the care of the hospital you will surely make a complete recovery.

There must be days when you are a little down but think positively Sophie and things will get better.

Christine xxx

Hello,

We have a Google link that throws up anything with 'Foxley' on it. We just wanted to send Sophie our best wishes from the Foxley clan in New Zealand - not a lot of us, we go back to my grandfather who came from the Manchester area around the time of WW1. We will keep Sophie & her family in our prayers.With our love,

Ric & Penny Foxley, New Zealand.