This is the hardest thing we’ve ever had to do mum, and for the first time in our lives, you’re not stood right next to us, holding our hands and giving words of comfort and encouragement.  There’s no stroke of the hair or big mum hug making us feel safe and so loved. But we’ll try to do you proud, and give everyone here a glimpse of the truly incredible mum you were. We won’t apologise for the length of this either, because whilst you always so proudly championed us, and of course your adored grandsons Ollie and Fin, you could never do it for yourself, so we will, and it’s going to take a moment or two.

We will always remember searching for your face in the crowd at any event or occasion in life, and of course always finding it, smiling back at us, so full of warmth, love and pride.


Making any chores fun, even our weekend cleaning, singing and dancing to John Denver, Neil Diamond, so many.

Endless board games, Monopoly, Scrabble, we learned quick because you did like to win mum!

The damp flannel in a sandwich bag on days out, always prepared!

Endless watches of majorette tricks and routines in the back garden, “wait, wait , I’ll do it again mum”, and you always did wait!

Jam sandwiches snuck up to the bedroom when Dad sent Michelle off to bed without dinner.

Beautiful handmade dresses and outfits, always matching of course.

Singing and dancing down Wantz Lane in torrential rain, jumping in the puddles.

And just the endless time you gave us and the most wonderful days out, “all on a shoestring’ we can hear you saying.

Then later, countless trips up and down the M3, distance would never keep you away from seeing your grandsons or offering us a helping hand when needed.

Always up for a coffee and the odd bit of shopping, often blaming us for unplanned purchases!

Walks at the beach with the dogs, with an ice-cream or hot chocolate of course.

Amazing holidays in Tunisia with me, lazy days and being silly in the pool, you were my very best friend mum.

Tarek wanted me to remind you how much he adores you.  He always called you ‘le soleil’ the sun, and ‘le petit fille’ the little girl, because you lit up everywhere with your smile and were so young at heart.  A little shy, but always fun, and just the kindest person.

You raised us to be kind and caring, strong and independent, to work through the tough times, and live life to the fullest.  You were an inspiration mum and led us by example, all of your life, we promise not to let you down.

Thank you for everything mum, and for giving Michelle and I each other, best friends for life.

Be with Nanna now, and rest a while.  Walk beside us when you can, until we see you again.  We love you with all our hearts.