Pauline passed away at peace in the Critical Care Unit of the London Clinic on 8th July surrounded by those who she loved. It was a blessed relief after a short fight against metastic ovarian cancer in which she gradually needed support to all her vital organs. During her five weeks in hospital she had not been able to eat or drink and was vomiting every few hours.
Fate can be so cruel. In the previous six months Pauline had fought and beaten breast cancer. The entirely new primary had been undetected by a CT scan in October 2009 which showed no evidence of other abnormality. Ovarian cancer was in fact only diagnosed after a biopsy four weeks before she died. Her consultant had only seen one similar case of such a pernicious, unrelated primary in twenty years.
Pauline lived for her family and she was so looking forward to Alan's retirement in November. Alan, Nicola and Charlie were by her side throughout her time in hospital as was her new son-in-law, Andrew. The marriage of Nicola and Andy took place by Pauline's bedside in intensive care the week before she died.
Pauline and Alan had been together for thirty-eight fantastic years. We feel profoundly fortunate to have had such a wonderful, wife, mother and best friend and will miss her more than words can say.
We have chosen to support the Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP) Foundation on the recommendation of Pauline’s consultant. It is a size of charity where any donation will make an impact. Finding the origin of the cancer is important to define appropriate treatment. CUP exists to offer information and support whilst raising awareness to stimulate action.
A Service of Thanksgiving will be held at St. Lawrence Jewry, City of London, on 2nd September. No flowers please. General enquiries to Janine MacIntyre, Thanksgiving Service, c/o Whitbread Plc, 130 Jermyn Street, London, SW1Y 4UR or email janine.macintyre@whitbread.com
