Kind dressmaker Chris offers bespoke dress to mum Sophie

Sophie George, 26, was told she only has 18 months to live after she was diagnosed with glioblastoma in February.

Sophie and her fiancé Jay have been together for four years and have an 18-month-old daughter, Marcie.

“Myself and Jay went on a date and hit it off straight away,” Sophie said.

“We enjoyed a few holidays together and when we got back from New York I found out I was pregnant.

“It was a shock but I believe in everything happens for a reason and I wouldn’t of changed any of it.

“If I didn’t have Marcie I would be feeling a lot different about my diagnosis but for her I have more of the reason to fight it.

“We had always planned on getting married but it never had been put into place. Once I got my diagnosis we planned to marry.”

Despite Sophie’s ongoing chemotherapy treatment the couple are determined to have their special day in September at the Warren Golf and Country Club estate in Woodham Walter.

After reading about Sophie’s situation, Gazette reader Chris McCarthy, 75, has offered to make little Marcie a matching wedding dress to Sophie’s for the big day.

“It was so overwhelming knowing a member of the public wanted to make my dress,” Sophie said.

“I am so touched by the kindness of strangers. I already have my dress but Chris has kindly offered to make a special dress for Marcie.

“I feel very special that she will have a handmade unique dress.”

Chris, who lives in Great Clacton, said as soon as she read Sophie’s story she wanted to help.

“I’ve been making wedding dresses for about 40 years now and I’ve been interested in it since I was 16,” she said.

“Sophie said she had already bought her dress but I’ve offered to make Marcie one.”

Chris will be meeting with Sophie to discuss designs and will be working on the project in her spare time.

“It’s a real pleasure to be a part of her big day,” Chris added.

“It’s also so nice to see the finished product.”