Traitors Winner Leanne Shares Heartbreaking Breast Cancer Battle with Fiancée in Welsh Home
Leanne Quigley, who recently emerged victorious on the renowned BBC One show Traitors, has opened up about a deeply personal and heart-wrenching journey with her fiancée, Sophie Jones, inside their home in Wales. The 29-year-old former army veteran from Holywell is engaged to Sophie, also an army recruit, and they are parents to two-year-old non-identical twins, Harley and Hudson, conceived through IVF. Their lives took a tragic turn when Sophie, a 32-year-old otherwise healthy and active woman, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer last year.
The couple shared their emotional story with OK! magazine, shedding light on the challenges they faced during Sophie’s battle with cancer. Sophie first noticed a small lump in her breast while showering in May of last year. Initially dismissing it as nothing serious, the lump grew significantly over a couple of weeks, leading to a visit to the hospital. Despite initial thoughts of it being a benign cyst, tests revealed that Sophie was dealing with a fast-growing, aggressive HER2-positive grade three breast cancer. Just a week after diagnosis, she commenced her chemotherapy treatment.
Leanne spoke candidly about the agonising wait for the results of CT scans to determine the extent of spread of the cancer, referring to it as her darkest moment. The uncertainty of Sophie’s future left Leanne feeling like she was in a nightmare. The fear and anxiety surrounding Sophie’s health and the desire to watch their children grow up weighed heavily on their minds. The couple’s world was in turmoil, with Sophie expressing her fear of hearing grim news about her life expectancy.
Chemotherapy took a toll on Sophie, often leaving her bedridden and unable to spend as much time with her children as she desired. The physical and emotional burden was overwhelming, with Sophie expressing guilt for not being able to be present for her partner and their children during the challenging period. Leanne, on the other hand, stood as a pillar of strength and support for her fiancée, navigating through the difficult times with resilience and determination.
Sophie’s journey towards recovery saw her completing five rounds of chemotherapy instead of the planned six due to the severe impact it had on her body. She underwent a lumpectomy on Christmas Eve to remove the tumour, followed by a period of uncertainty and anxiety before receiving the news she longed for on January 8 – she was cancer-free. Subsequent preventative radiotherapy left Sophie feeling fatigued, yet hopeful for what the future holds.
As the couple savours the simplicity of life in their cosy home, surrounded by scenic Welsh landscapes, they are also looking ahead to their wedding plans. Sophie, who originally intended to propose during a family holiday, hurried her plans after the cancer diagnosis, popping the question on a boat during a whirlwind weekend away. Both Leanne and Sophie are excited about the wedding and envision a joyous celebration once Sophie’s hair has regrown, with the twins likely playing a special role in the ceremony.
Leanne and Sophie’s story embodies resilience, love, and hope amidst adversity. Their unwavering bond and commitment to each other have seen them through the most challenging of times, reinforcing the importance of cherishing every moment together. As they navigate through life post-Traitors, the couple’s focus remains on creating lasting memories and treasuring their time as a family. The future looks bright for Leanne, Sophie, and their twins, standing as a testament to the power of love and determination in overcoming life’s toughest battles.
In a world filled with uncertainty, Leanne and Sophie’s story serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, reminding us all to cherish our loved ones and embrace each moment with gratitude and love. As they embark on their journey towards a future filled with love and promise, their story resonates with audiences, highlighting the strength that lies in unity and unwavering support in the face of adversity.