Surprise party for Sophie

SHOW of support — Sophie Wheeler (centre) celebrates alongside family, friends and band Stifler’s Mom

A HEARTFELT surprise was in store for a teen cystic-fibrosis sufferer from Oldham as more than 400 family members and friends turned out to show how much they care.

Sophie Wheeler (17), a former pupil at Counthill School, left hospital for a day — she is an in-patient for a fortnight having routine treatment — to be the centre of attention at the celebration at St Anne’s Rugby Club.

The fun-filled party was a way of raising awareness of organ donation, something which could soon affect Sophie as she goes on the donor list for a lung transplant.

A surprise guest appearance by former “X Factor” star Laura White, was the pinnacle of a day filled with emotion.

Sophie’s father, Graham, who made it to the “X Factor” bootcamp two years ago, said: “Sophie was completely shocked and delighted to see Laura.

“Over the years we have raised so much money for local charities, everyone thought it was time we did something for Sophie.

“She always puts others before herself and even though she has quite a lot of needs she is positive and has a fantastic outlook on life.

“We’re still getting over the event and everyone’s generosity, it was a day to remember.”

Rocking band Stifler’s Mom got the party started with revellers raising over £7,000 to buy a machine for Sophie to measure the oxygen levels in her blood while at home and for a well-deserved holiday.