Sophie Lee, 28, has been on a journey of soul-searching and learning to rebuild as an “even better, more resilient and stronger version” of herself after her chest and face caught fire during a terrifying freak accident on stage. The traumatising experience caused permanent changes to her physical appearance and had a profound impact on her entire outlook on life.
It has taken a long time for Sophie – who is now a motivational speaker and has released a book, which includes a foreword by fellow burns survivor Katie Piper – to feel comfortable in her skin as she tells us exclusively about hitting rock bottom and the healing powers of resilience…
Dancing across the stage to the sounds of Camila Cabello, I took a swig of paraffin, then got set for my fire-breathing finale. As the lyrics hit the crescendo, I blasted the liquid out of my mouth and on to the waiting flames, hearing an intake of breath from the crowd.
After five years of training and practise, my fire breathing routine was well-rehearsed, but suddenly I realised something felt very wrong. Instead of shooting away from me, the flames were engulfing my body, clinging to droplets of paraffin on my cheek, chin and chest. As I frantically hit at the flames to put them out, I could smell my skin and hair burning.
A LIFE CHANGED FOREVER
I was on fire for just 30 seconds, but it changed my life forever. Staggering off the stage, all I heard was white noise, then paramedics arrived and rushed me to hospital. By this time my throat had started to tighten and I was struggling to breathe.
Denne historien er fra May 20, 2024-utgaven av New UK.
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Denne historien er fra May 20, 2024-utgaven av New UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
THE ROCKY ROAD TO LOVE
It's an emotional journey for the characters in this new sitcom
'I want Larose's Christmas to be amazing'
Lauren Goodger chats about cosy festive celebrations with her daughter and how she's considering adoption
George wouldn't want me to be miserable'
Gogglebox's Linda McGarry tells us what motivates her to live the best life she can since the death of her son George Gilbey
BELLE'S SANTA PAWS SURPRISE
Belle Dingle gets her Christmas wish as her beloved dog Piper returns, while events take a dark turn for Marlon in Emmerdale
SWEET SUCCESS
Enjoy the finest fruit desserts this season– we wish you all the very zest
IS YOUR MIGRAINE SEASONAL?
Certain foods, such as coffee and chocolate, are known to trigger migraines in some people. But there's another possible culprit — the weather!
Woman poisoned boyfriend's iced tea for $30m inheritance scam
Ina Thea Kenoyer, 48, turned to murder to get cash that never existed
'I was trapped under water - my broken ribs saved me'
Lou Harrand, 51, was on her honeymoon in Thailand when the catastrophic Boxing Day tsunami struck in 2004. Twenty years on, she tells New how it changed her life
It's a wake-up call for Wayne'
After Coleen Rooney's huge success on I'm A Celeb, a source tells new that her proud husband Wayne is hoping to spend some quality time with her
'I feel lucky I never had sex on TV'
Married At First Sight's Emma Barnes tells new about life after the show and what goes on behind the scenes