Strictly Come Dancing's Amy Dowden has taken to Instagram to express her condolences following the tragic death of fellow breast cancer survivor and campaigner, Sophie Busson. The BBC star reposted a beautiful photo of the late 39-year-old, along with a message from her family announcing her passing.
A deeply saddened Amy paid an emotional tribute too, reports the Express. She said: "Sending so much love and strength to your twin, your husband, boys, family and friends. Fly high, darling, thank you for all you did and will continue to do for the breast cancer and cancer community."
The Strictly dancer, who was diagnosed with the disease in 2023 and later declared as having "no evidence of disease" last year, also shared another touching tribute to Sophie featuring photos from her childhood with her twin sister Stephanie.
She said: "Thinking of these gorgeous twins. The news has hit me hard as can relate so much. Sending love to all, but especially Steph! (sic)."
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A poignant statement was posted on Sophie's Instagram account, which read: "The time we hoped would never come, arrived last night with our beautiful Sophie passing away peacefully. She had us both by her side until the end and we take comfort in knowing how much she was loved. She was an absolute fighter until her final breath."
Her family added: "We are absolutely heartbroken but she will always be with us forever in our hearts. All our love, Gareth, Steph and her boys."
Sophie was just 31 when she received the devastating news of her stage four breast cancer diagnosis, a mere 16 months after her wedding day. However, five years on from being given the all-clear and enduring gruelling treatment, she was dealt the blow that the cancer had made a comeback.
In March 2023, Sophie was diagnosed with secondary, inoperable stage four metastatic breast cancer and embarked on a fresh round of treatment. Speaking to WalesOnline, Sophie said: "I was devastated to hear that my cancer had returned, although I wasn't overly surprised given that I was told I was at a high risk of reoccurrence. But when I hit five years cancer-free, I really thought I had a chance of it not coming back.
"It's been really difficult taking the news of this new diagnosis, but I am slowly coming to terms with things and luckily, up to now, I have kept fairly well on my new treatment. I am hopeful that treatment will do its thing and keep me around for as long as possible."
