Tributes to 'perfect' daughter who died at pub off A66

Nineteen-year-old Sophie Hall was found by her parents at their pub the Rokeby Inn, just off the A66, on June 26.

Her family have now paid tribute to her calling her “perfect”, “cheeky”, “bubbly” and “intelligent”.

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The Teesdale biomedical science student was planning a 10k charity run in November to raise awareness of men’s mental health after her uncle died by suicide in May, as well as her great-uncle shortly before Christmas of 2020.

Sophie Hall. (Image: FAMILY)

But after her death her family decided to take her place in the run – the Leeds MoRun 10k on November 19 – and raise funds for young mental health charity YoungMinds too.

Publican Charles Hall, 48, told the Echo: “I can’t describe the pain I am going through.

“She was absolutely amazing, perfect. She was so happy and bubbly. She loved to meet people.

“It’s hard now just knowing she’s not coming back.

“I wanted to walk her down the aisle and give her away, do those dad things and become a grandad.”

Sophie with mum Lindsey, brother Cameron and dad Charles (L-R. (Image: FAMILY)

When she was back home from university in Leeds Sophie would work shifts at the Rokeby Inn, formerly the A66 Motel, which her parents have owned since 2005 and has been in their family 57 years.

“We always worked together – she used to stand at the till when she was three or four taking money off the customers,” her proud father added.

“Customers still come in and ask about her. You see their face drop because they can’t believe such a lovely, intelligent, forward-looking girl could do something like that.

“She had her whole future, a promising future ahead of her, she was so intelligent.

Sophie Hall tragically died on June 26 this year. (Image: FAMILY)

“She always wanted to help other people. She would finish work and buy something for the homeless people.”

Her parents Charles and Lindsey had tried to secure Sophie, who waitressed alongside her studies, a mental health assessment. She was due to have an appointment the day after she died.

Now they are preparing to take on the 10k challenge she planned to tackle for men’s mental health.

Mum Lindsey, dad Charles, brother Cameron, 21, and her best friend Ellie will be joined by other friends and Sophie’s dog for the challenge.

Sophie with her dog. (Image: FAMILY)

Mum Lindsey, 44, added: “I was quite surprised when she said she was going to do the run, but she was the kind of girl who if she said she was going to do something she would do it.

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“I am not a runner at all, I haven’t started [training] yet but we will do it somehow.”

“We have got quite a team - people keep saying ‘I’ll do it with you!’ so there could be ten or fifteen of us,” Charles continued.

The run takes place on November 19. Anyone wishing to donate can do so on the ‘Our Angel Sophie’ Go Fund Me page.

The family initially set out to raise £200, but have already hit more than £5,600 (as of October 7).

If you are in need of support you can contact the following:

- Samaritans is available, day or night, 365 days of the year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.

- If U Care Share on 0191 387 5661 or text IUCS to 85258

- SANE on 07984 967 708, Calm on 0800 58 58 58

- Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust crisis line 0800 0516 171.