Had I read the words “GB snowboarder Ellie Soutter triumphs at the 2019 Alpine World Ski Championships” this winter, I wouldn’t have been surprised in the slightest.
I’d have been delighted, but not surprised. But when, on 26th July 2018, I read the words “This cruel world took my soul mate and ‘Bessie’ from me yesterday on her 18th birthday” by Ellie’s dad Tony, I, like many others, couldn’t believe it.
On the face of it, Ellie had it all. Born in the UK and living in Les Gets since the age of nine with her doting dad Tony, Ellie had become one of the most promising athletes on Team GB’s British Snowboard squad. Back in the UK, Ellie’s mum Lorraine was her biggest cheerleader; she had the support and encouragement of her entire family and a very special bond with her mum.
