What a fight: community rallies behind popular businesswoman Sophie Bird

Coffs mothers Hannah Rowe and Sophie Bird first bonded over vintage clothes.

Sophie with friend and fundraising appeal organiser Hannah Rowe.

The Coffs Harbour community is rallying to support much-loved businesswoman Sophie Bird and partner Sam.

Sophie, the owner of Tallow and Tide boutique in the Monterey Arcade in the CBD, had to be rushed to John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle for an emergency caesarean on June 24.

Little Jagger James Collins came into the world at just 28 weeks. He is a brother for four-year-old Tallow.

Sophie with partner Sam and 4-yr-old Tallow.

Sophie’s friend Hannah Rowe has organised a GoFundMe campaign to support the young family through the difficult times ahead.

With proud dad Sam and little Tallow travelling between Coffs Harbour and Newcastle the expenses have been racking up and Sam has been having to take time off work.

Hannah met Sophie four years ago and was drawn to her warm, generous nature - and her interest in vintage clothing.

“Sophie was operating Wrecked Vintage at the time and I went into the shop and we clicked immediately.”

Jagger James Collins was born by emergency caesarean.

Hannah has her own fashion label Dukes and Duchesses Apparel.

“So we bonded over clothes and were mothers of one-year-olds at the time.”

Already the GoFundMe campaign has raised $4,850.

“It’s a testament to how much the community loves Soph. She is a great supporter of small business and she is always so warm when people enter her store - she stocks many local brands and has a loyal following.”

Sophie Bird and daughter Tallow

Sophie shared a photo of Jagger on her Instagram page with the following message:

Jagger James Collins, born June 24 at 28 weeks. The wildest journey yet. They tried to hold you off, you said no, they tried again, you said no, then you showed them with your heart you wanted earth side and came via emergency C-section. Now we take every day as it comes, hoping you grow strong and powerful and healthy. I can’t wait for our first cuddle. We will spend about six weeks down in John Hunter before we can look at coming back home ♥️ so for now... the journey begins.

On Tuesday Sophie had her first cuddle with Jagger.

To support the campaign follow this link.