Just as he was about to take a significant step in his life, he found himself in a nightmarish situation.
JJ, from Hull, and his partner Sophie Runkee, 34, had recently embarked on a special holiday in Turkey.
The trip was meant to be a cherished experience for their family, especially after JJ’s recent cancer diagnosis.
They aimed to create lasting memories with their three children: 11-week-old Luca, 14-year-old Alicia, and 9-year-old Tommy.
The couple had planned the trip to spend quality time together before JJ’s treatment began. Unbeknownst to Sophie, JJ had even purchased a ring and was preparing to propose.
However, on the night he intended to pop the question, he faced an unimaginable ordeal.
Sophie’s lifeless body was found on the balcony of their hotel apartment, a scene that turned their once-in-a-lifetime trip into a nightmare.
It is believed that after a night out, Sophie had fallen unconscious and choked on her vomit.
JJ recounted, “Sophie was the love of my life.
She was a wonderful mom and brought light into every room. We miss her terribly.”
On July 11, Sophie and Alicia enjoyed a mother-daughter night out, dancing in local bars while JJ stayed in with the boys.
Sophie, who usually didn’t drink, had indulged excessively as a way to cope with the stress of JJ’s diagnosis.
After their night out, Sophie went to the balcony to sleep it off.
When JJ found her, she was unconscious.
Alicia was the first to discover her mother’s unresponsive state.
JJ rushed to clear her airways and perform CPR, managing to revive her temporarily.
However, her pulse was weak, and she had to be rushed to the hospital.
Despite the doctors’ best efforts, Sophie passed away just 24 hours later. JJ shared, “The Turkish doctors did everything they could, but she passed away two days later.”
A Love Story Cut Short
JJ and Sophie had met online two years prior and quickly fell in love.
JJ described Sophie as bubbly and kind-hearted, saying, “She had a heart of gold and adored her children.
We loved our time together, from spa days to long walks with the dogs.”
Sophie gave birth to their son, Luca, in April.
But just four weeks later, JJ discovered a lump, which led to a melanoma diagnosis.
The couple had planned a wedding in Scotland for September but had hoped to get engaged on their holiday instead.
An Unexpected Tragedy
Eight days into their trip, JJ received distressing news from his doctors about a suspected second cancerous lump.
Sophie, overwhelmed with worry, drank excessively, leading to the tragic events that followed.
JJ recalled, “I was frustrated when she came back drunk, so I took Luca for a walk to let her sober up.
When I returned, Sophie was unconscious, and I tried to save her.”
Sophie’s condition worsened, and she never regained consciousness.
JJ was forced to identify her body on the evening he had planned to propose, a heartbreaking twist to what should have been a joyous occasion.
Moving Forward Amidst Loss
JJ is now grappling with the dual burden of arranging a funeral and facing his own cancer treatment.
With no travel insurance, he faces unexpected expenses for hospital bills and transporting Sophie’s body back to Hull.
Sophie’s best friend, Jenny Phillips, has set up a GoFundMe page to support JJ and the children during this incredibly challenging time.
In the midst of this profound loss, JJ clings to the memory of Sophie and finds solace in their young son, Luca.
TDPel Media
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