Dear Nan, I remember on one of our weekends out together, I brought along a notebook I was writing a story in. I was nine years old and – like for all nine year olds – my notebook was eighty-nine pages of nonsense. Regardless, you said you were going to read it whilst Grandad took Wyatt and I around the heritage sight. When I got back to the car, you told me you had read every word. I didn’t believe you at first and I started testing you on the plot-line. You got every question right… I was in awe. It seems strange to think it now, that when I was that young, your kindness touched my heart with its soft finger tips, but here I am now, and I’ve never forgotten it. I wanted to write you something else to read, from up there up in the stars. I tried writing a poem, the other day, but my wording sounded artificial. Then, I realised my words will always sound like that because it will never be as natural as yours, how you breathed kindness, generosity and love into our lives. My words are powerless compared to that.

Dear Gill, it is with great sadness that I have to say goodbye. People always used to ask me if I got on with my mother-in-law and I was always able to say how lucky I was to have you. I remember when you lived in St George’s Road and we used to walk up to Emmanuel Church for Carols by Candlelight together. When Grace and then Wyatt came along, you were so excited to add more grandchildren into the family. You had such an amazing capacity for love with the biggest heart, and I will miss you dearly. Love from Glenda x

My wonderful Nan, Everybody in my life knows how incredibly boastful I am of my Nan & Grandad. I must’ve recited childhood memories of me, you, Grandad and Emily 1000s of times, I don’t think I could forget them if I tried. Our trips to the park, meals out, the times you would look after us, where I’d be your pretend waiter with a tea towel on my arm in our make-believe restaurant, these are all things I will carry for the rest of my life. It’s incredibly painful to know you are no longer with us - both you and my Grandad always felt like a package deal. Hand on heart, I don’t think I can say I’ve ever met a couple that feels more like they were meant to be. I miss you dearly and will continue to do so, but I strongly believe your beautiful family is testament to the incredible woman you are, and that love and appreciation will live on for generations - anyone, including myself, would be incredibly lucky to be half the beautiful soul you are. I miss you Nan, and I send you all my love ❤️