Sharon Simes, a survivor of a terror attack that tragically claimed the lives of 38 people, including 30 Brits, found herself facing yet another challenge in life: a rare form of breast cancer. The ISIS massacre that took place at a Tunisian beach resort nearly a decade ago marked one of the deadliest acts of terrorism against British citizens since the 2005 London Tube bombings. Despite the horrors she endured during the attack, Sharon, now 53 years old, discovered a newfound resilience within herself when confronted with the diagnosis of cancer for the second time.
The terrifying ordeal unfolded on a fateful day in June 2015 at the luxurious Hotel Riu Imperial Marhaba in Tunisia, where Sharon was on holiday with her husband Dave, daughter Krystal, and Krystal’s friend Chelsea. The peaceful atmosphere was shattered by the sound of gunfire as the attacker, 23-year-old Seifeddine Rezgui, opened fire on unsuspecting holidaymakers with a Kalashnikov rifle hidden inside a parasol. In a moment of chaos and fear, Sharon and her family managed to escape the deadly rampage, but the emotional scars of that day continued to haunt them long after they returned home.
Back in the UK, Sharon was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, general anxiety disorder, and mild depression, highlighting the lasting impact of the traumatic experience. Despite undergoing various treatments and therapies to cope with the aftermath of the attack, Sharon’s life took another unexpected turn in 2019 when she discovered a suspicious dent in her breast, leading to a diagnosis of breast cancer for the second time. The subsequent journey of surgeries, chemotherapy, and treatments tested her strength and resolve, but Sharon remained determined to fight for her life and cherish every moment with her loved ones.
Through the ups and downs of her cancer battle, Sharon found solace in the belief that she had a spiritual protector watching over her, symbolized by the appearance of butterflies in key moments of her life. With the support of her family and medical team, Sharon faced each challenge head-on, emerging as a beacon of hope and resilience for others facing trauma or adversity. As she continues her journey of recovery and healing, Sharon’s story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of finding light in the darkest of times.
