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08 July 2015

Sophie Stapleton will visit with Dr Charlie Teo again next week.
Sophie Stapleton will visit with Dr Charlie Teo again next week.

Cessnock trainer Andrew Stapleford has been amazed by the support the harness racing industry has shown his family after his daughter Sophie underwent brain surgery to remove a large tumour nearly two months ago.  While Stapleford confirmed Sophie still has a long recovery in front of her, the early reports are favourable.

“We have a meeting with Dr. Charlie Teo next Wednesday and will know more then, however the operation went better than could be expected and we have been told Dr Teo was able to remove between 95 and 100% of the tumour without damaging Sophie’s face,” Stapleford said.

“Before the operation it was thought if Dr Teo attempted to remove so much of it initially that he may have damaged the nerves in her face and even he was surprised after the operation that Sophie was able to open both of her eyes.”

Stapleford admitted Sophie is suffering from several side effects after the surgery.

“Sophie doesn’t have a lot of feeling in her face and the left hand side of her forehead doesn’t lift up yet but that is the least of her worries.

“There was some thought Sophie may have needed another surgery down the track so hopefully because of the success of this one that will not be required but we will definitely know more next week.”

The harness industry rallied strongly around the Stapleford family which did come as a surprise to Andrew.

“There have been so many people from within the industry that have given money or donated items to Sophie’s fundraiser on August 1 and I can’t thank them enough.

“I‘m only a small player within the industry, I keep to myself and have horses as a hobby, I just can’t believe the support that has been shown to my family and it is something that I will remember forever.”

Sophie has continued to keep her social media supporters updated on her recovery and this is her latest post on Facebook

It has been six weeks since my operation and the extreme pain is still there, the surgeons and doctors never really prepare you for the aftermath of a brain surgery, they never prepare you for the mental challenges it has on yourself, the darkness you face feeling alone even though you have a world full of love and support, the mixed emotions, the doubt you have in yourself, trying to find yourself in your own mind and body with all the changes you are facing. 

You know that you have conquered something that could’ve went so unbelievably wrong, but somehow accepting the risks before the surgery is so much easier than accepting them and all of the changes during the recovery, not knowing what the next day will bring whether it be extreme pain, sadness, gratefulness, tiredness. 

The hardship throughout this recovery journey is indescribable, not being able to do everyday things, not going out to socialise with friends, not going to work.  But deep down past all of the emotions and day to day challenges I am so honoured, thankful and blessed to have such support and such love throughout the hardest time of my life which makes this smile so natural

Greg Hayes

Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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