The Cancer Research UK community and the wider public mourn the heartbreaking loss of Sophie Jane Busson, a passionate advocate, loving wife and mother, and beloved friend, who passed away peacefully on 19th July at St David’s Hospice. Sophie, just 34, had been living with stage 4 secondary breast cancer and was known for her strength, grace, and unwavering dedication to helping others even in the face of her own diagnosis.
Sophie’s journey with cancer began when she was just 31, only months after marrying the love of her life, Gareth. In the years that followed, Sophie became not only a devoted mother to her two sons, Leo and Reggie, but also a courageous voice in the fight against cancer. Through sharing her story publicly, she helped raise awareness, inspire countless others, and rally support for the critical work of Cancer Research UK.
In a moving tribute, Cancer Research UK shared their deep sorrow at Sophie’s passing:
“We are heartbroken by the loss of our colleague and dear friend, Sophie, who sadly passed away from stage 4 breast cancer. Sophie was a passionate fundraiser and advocate for our work to beat cancer. She was kind, resilient and unwavering in her dedication to helping others diagnosed with cancer. Sophie was a true force of nature, and she will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with her family, friends and colleagues.”
Sophie was much more than her illness. She was a vibrant, stylish woman with a deep passion for fashion, a love that never dimmed despite her health challenges. Her sense of colour and life shone through in everything she did—from her wardrobe to the way she lit up every room she entered.
A cherished daughter to Steve and Rose, adored twin sister to Steph, and loving sister to Ben, James, and Kate, Sophie’s family meant everything to her. Her loved ones remember her not only for her resilience but for her warmth, wit, and endless kindness. She was the kind of person who made people feel seen, heard, and loved.
A funeral service to celebrate Sophie’s life will be held on Friday, 5th September at 12:30 p.m. at Langstone Vale Crematorium. The family has requested those attending to wear a splash of colour in honour of Sophie’s love for fashion and her joyful spirit. Flowers are limited to family only, but donations in her memory can be made to Cancer Research UK or St David’s Hospice. Contributions can be given at the service, online via Tovey Bros Funeral Directors, or sent to their offices in Newport.
Sophie’s legacy lives on through the lives she touched and the work she championed. In her own way, she helped bring us closer to a world where no one has to suffer from cancer. Though gone far too soon, Sophie’s courage, compassion, and light will never be forgotten.