Thank you for visiting this fundraising page in memory of Jackie Thompson. Jacqueline Anne ("Jackie"), aged 30, formerly of Shotley Bridge (County Durham) and recently of Heaton (Newcastle upon Tyne), died suddenly in hospital on Thursday 3rd August. Jackie had Friedreich's Ataxia and other health problems and her health deteriorated in recent months and weeks. We would like to thank everyone for their kind thoughts at this sad time and for all donations to the Ataxia UK charity in memory of Jackie.

Jackie's health was slowly getting worse over the last few years, and then significantly so in the last few months of her life. She became gravely ill about 6-8 weeks before she died when she developed breathing difficulties. Within that period Jackie was in and out of the three main hospitals in Newcastle. She had developed chest infections, swallowing food and liquid was very hard and she was barely able to talk. The main problem was her heart. Jackie was told how weak her heart had become, although did not share that with us and dealt with it bravely on her own. Although she was so ill and the inevitable was becoming more obvious, Jackie died quite suddenly in the end in intensive care in Newcastle General Hospital. Brian and Maureen her parents, and Tracy, her sister were in the hospital and with her at the very last moment. Jackie had been a fighter but could not win the last fight as her heart was too weak and she had developed pneumonia. The doctors did all they could to make her comfortable and ease her pain.

We are all devastated by our loss and feel that life is not the same without her. She has left an enormous void that will never be filled. We hope like us, there are family and friends that will treasure all memories of her. Her determination and courage in her short life is an inspiration to us all.

                                              She is gone

You can shed tears that she is gone, Or you can smile because she has lived

You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back, Or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left

Your heart can be empty because you can't see her, Or you can be full of the love that you shared

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday, Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday

You can remember her and only that she is gone, Or you can cherish her memory and let it live on

You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back, Or you can do what she would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

                                              My dear Jackie

You were my beautiful sister, Who I now keep inside my heart

Because the bond two sisters share, Nothing could ever part

You were my precious angel, who was always there for me

Always having a beautiful smile, for everyone to see

I hope that you can hear me, As I talk to you each night,

I can still see your precious face, Oh what a beautiful sight

Thank you for being so wonderful, And know that we'll never part

Because sisters share a bond, That even death can never part,

In loving memory of my sister.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to donate: Ataxia UK will receive your money electronically and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in Gift Aid will be added to your donation at no cost to you.

Please donate generously.

Many thanks for your support.