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Garden make-over and mural makes birthday special for Dundee’s Sophy Mitchell

Sophy Mitchell when she celebrated her 31st birthday in July.
Sophy Mitchell when she celebrated her 31st birthday in July.

Friends and family pulled out all the stops to ensure Sophy Mitchell had the best birthday ever, complete with a revamped garden.

Sophy has been enjoying celebrating her 31st birthday this week but it has been bittersweet, as she fears her cancer means it could be her last.

The Hilltown resident was diagnosed with cancer in April and days later doctors discovered it is terminal, estimating she has six months to live.

Since then Sophy has been trying to live life to the full, enjoying special moments with those closest to her.

On her birthday on Friday she was surprised with a garden makeover – complete with a mural of herself by Dundee graffiti artist Syke.

Sophy with husband Kevin and mum Sandra Shand.
Sophy with husband Kevin and mum Sandra Shand.

Sophy said: “My birthday was amazing.

“It’s hard to believe it might be my last-ever birthday but everyone did everything they could to ensure it was extra-special.

“I was thrilled to be able to celebrate my birthday and be able to enjoy a few cocktails with my amazing family and friends.

“It’s gutting too, as this is likely to be my last birthday but it was definitely my best birthday to date.

“I can’t thank Syke Dundee for the most amazing mural.

“It’s absolutely stunning and I just can’t stop looking at it.”

Sophy celebrating her birthday at home.
Sophy celebrating her birthday at home.

Sophy will start chemotherapy this week, as the cancer has now spread to her bones, lungs and liver.

Despite the gruelling treatment, she is determined to make the most of the time she has left.

Sophy has been ticking items off her bucket list, including an overnight with her mum, Sandra, at the Gleneagles Hotel.

Sophy and her mum, Sandra Shand, at The Gleneagles Hotel.

Sophy said: “Me and mum had the nicest 24 hours being treated like proper queens.

“From champagne in our massive room to dinner, it has all been above our expectations and an escape from all the absolute rubbish going on in my head at the moment.

“I remain positive most of the time but sometimes that’s a full-time job in itself.”

I’m trying to stay as cheerful as I possibly can.”

Ever optimistic, Sophy has booked a trip to Blackpool in October.

She said: “I’m determined to still be here.

“It’s hard always staying positive and optimistic and I’m having a lot of crying moments now as reality sets in but I’m trying to stay as cheerful as I possibly can.”

“I found out my chemo starts on July 14.

“I’m so grateful this has moved along quickly and I’m so determined to give this treatment my all.

“Currently I’m still feeling great within myself, minus the sore legs, which are more weak legs than anything and just something I am so used to now.”

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