The community votes have been counted, and we are incredibly proud to announce that Sophie Edwards has been named the 2025 Local Hero for Westfield Marion.

Thanks to this recognition, the Jodi Lee Bowel Cancer Foundation will receive a $20,000 community grant to collaborate with Sophie on a powerful awareness campaign focused on early onset bowel cancer.

A heartfelt thank you to Westfield and Westfield Marion for this opportunity, and to the amazing community, Westfield Marion shoppers, and supporters who voted for Sophie. Your support is helping save lives.

Congratulations also to the inspiring fellow finalists, Annabel Bower from Miles Apart and Leanne Murphy from Story Dogs. Your work is making a real difference in our community.

Here’s what Sophie had to say about being named the 2025 Local Hero for Westfield Marion:

“Overwhelmed with gratitude. Last night I was honoured to be named a Westfield Marion Local Hero of 2025.

Thank you to everyone who voted and continues to support me — it truly means the world. And a huge thank you to Westfield Marion for this incredible program and for giving back to the local community in such a meaningful way.

I’m so grateful to continue raising awareness for early onset bowel cancer through my workplace programs and keynote speeches, and to keep doing this important work alongside the Jodi Lee Bowel Cancer Foundation.

Thank you to my beautiful family for endless love & support. Without you all I would not be here today. Thank you for coming to celebrate me last night.

My journey to hell and back with stage 3 bowel cancer wasn’t for nothing — I’m determined to make it meaningful and to use my story to help others.”

This is more than recognition, it’s a powerful step forward in raising awareness and driving change. Sophie’s story is saving lives and this grant will help us reach even more Australians.