Thanks for taking the time to donate to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust in memory of Joanna.

 

Joanna was very close to Becky Westlake and her older sister Joanna the daughters of her “nearly” adopted daughter and son in law Joyce and Clive.

 

Becky was born with Cystic Fibrosis an inherited genetic disease affecting the lungs and digestive system. Treatment of this disease requires a rigorous daily regime of physiotherapy and medication and frequent hospital admissions for intravenous antibiotics.

 

Despite this, Becky refused to let the illness prevent her living life to the full, excelling academically and participating in anything she could, including amateur dramatics and learning to play the trumpet. She also found time to raise funds for CF and other good causes including taking part in sponsored cycle rides and a London Underground Challenge with her fellow sixth formers which involved visiting as many stations as possible in a 24 hour period! Apparently her spirit and tenacity carried some of the others through!

 

In Joanna’s own words “Becky was a wonderful girl of great joy and courage and a shining example to us all. She had triumphed over such pain and difficulty.”

 

As well as the already close relationship “Gahdi” , as she is known to all the Grandchildren and indeed to most of the family, also helped Becky at various stages by using her “healing” hands.

 

Becky’s courage and tenacity helped her achieve high A levels culminating in her being offered a place at Bristol University to study Philosophy. Unfortunately during her first year as an undergraduate her condition worsened and although being assessed for a lung transplant at Harefield Hospital and being visited by Joanna (then in her late 80’s ) in intensive care even Joanna’s powers of healing were unable to stave off the inevitable and she died on 11th March 2004 aged 19.

 

Joanna has always been a strong supporter of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust supporting Clive and Joyce in their various fund raising activities and encouraging donations to the Trust from recipients of her healing.

 

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year and although great strides have been made a cure has yet to be found. Any funds raised will go towards continuing research into this life limiting illness.