My Mum was kind and considerate to everyone she met. She could also be single minded, stubborn and very determined but that said she was always there for you, helping and encouraging and always giving you her love.

My Mum grew up in the depths of the Kent countryside with her two sisters and a brother. Although on the face of it an idyllic childhood time, those years between the Two Wars were often difficult and we have heard many tales through the years and most seemed to be filled with fun and laughter, despite money being scarce. Mum, never one to stay at home, was drawn to the nursing profession . She qualified as a state registered nurse and often recounted those days. I particularly remember her saying how as a midwife she would hurtle through the streets of Croydon on a push bike to help deliver a new arrival to this world. She achieved her primary objective with the new born but apparently left a trail of dazed and startled pedestrians in her wake! Mum never did learn to drive a car so maybe the world remained a safer place!

My Mum loved her husband and children and will always be fondly remembered by her grandchildren with whom she had a great rapport. There was always some little treat awaiting them when they visited Granny and she never seemed to get cross with them, whatever the mess.

My Mum won’t be forgotten. She will always be here through her smile, her words of encouragement and not least of all, her love.