Elaine was so much more than a wonderful wife and mother, secretary and friend but, true to form, she kept most of her talents and achievements to herself in the bizarre belief that no-one would really be interested in what she had done, or what she had to say.

Until her final few months, her energy was phenomenal. She was an accomplished geneaologist, tracing the Powderhill family tree back to the mid-16th century where she discovered some connection with the Seymours of Thrumpton Hall in Nottinghamshire. It was one of her ambitions to visit the ‘family seat’, but sadly time ran out.

Her embroidery skills were stunning, as witnessed by a number of cross-stitch pictures decorating the walls of her home at Lahn Drive. She was a remarkable social secretary, as I’m sure any of her fellow breast-cancer sufferers – the much-loved ‘Bosom Pals’ – will testify. And her organisational skills were also much in evidence when she worked as an assistant ‘props’ lady during numerous productions at Droitwich’s Norbury Theatre.

While she would be the first to admit that her singing voice did not warrant the role of Maria in The Sound of Music, Elaine nonetheless featured in the chorus of several productions. And her natural rhythm was developed to the full when she joined local classes in first ballet, and then tap dancing. How I can still hear the sound of steel tip on kitchen flooring as the chef went through her latest routine when rustling up a couple of fried egg sarnies . . .

In 1994 she completed the London to Brighton Bike Ride in aid of the British Heart Foundation, and was a regular participant in the annual Race for Life breast cancer event, even taking part in this year’s run in June despite her growing weakness.

So many talents, so little self-promotion. And add to these her enjoyment of gardening, country walks, of home improvements, of travel and of caring so passionately for the welfare of her family and others, and you have the kind of person this world can ill afford to be without.

As you can imagine, the past four years were difficult for Elaine, but never once did she waiver in her belief that she might one day beat this appalling disease. And together as a family, there has still been plenty of laughter, and we’ve enjoyed some real highlights, including Ellie’s graduation, Janine’s A-level successes, trips to Venice and Sorrento, and of course our campervan tour around New Zealand where, again, she made friends with everyone. But perhaps most of all, the thing which Elaine valued most - apart from the love of her devoted family - was the love and friendship of so many friends, both old and new. They all meant so much to her and undoubtedly made her unpleasant health condition so much easier to bear.

So on behalf of Elaine, Graham, Ellie and Janine, heartfelt ‘thank-you’ to all of you.

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