Emma, my sister, was so many wonderful things to so many people. Caring by nature and loving to all, with an intellect almost as huge as her heart, she possessed a very special energy.

From the age of 2, Emma was a big sister and took her role very seriously as every photo of her arms wrapped around her me & our little sister proves. No doubt the boundless love of our mother inspired her in-turn to be so nurturing and protective of us. 

With her encyclopedic mind Emma absorbed classical literature and could recite Shakespeare just as well as any professionally trained thespian. But she did not seek a spotlight.

Emma's life ambitions were as thoughtful as she was, with dreams of rescuing animals and environmental welfare, it seemed likely to all who knew her that she was here to make a difference.

Her smile held the power to brighten anyones day and that is how she overcame every new challenge, with a huge smile on her face. Nothing would ever have stopped her achieving all she wanted to do.

Winning awards in the Girl Guides and at College, gaining impressive qualifications, working hard and fundraising for hundreds of different charities was just the start.

But at only 42 years of age, our red-haired ray of sunshine tragically passed over, and we never had the chance to say goodbye. 

We want her to know how proud we are of her. How much she's loved, how dearly she'll now be missed. 

How cherished her memory will be, and how lucky we all feel to have had her in our lives.

I’m doing this skydive in her honour, to continue achieving just some of the things she would have wanted to, and to hopefully make her proud of me too. 

On the day of my 42nd birthday this year (15th Sept) I’ll be skydiving at 15,000 ft to raise money for the wonderful Margaret Green rescue & re-homing centres.

Please help me by sponsoring whatever you can (even if just 50p!). Any sponsor, big or small, will be so appreciated & make a difference. 

Emma will remain with us in every sonnet or ABBA song we ever hear. Her bluebells will continue to rise, and the sea breeze forever carry her laughter.

Emma Joanne Rich 1979-2022 ……

Thank you in advance. Sam Zambelli- Emma’s sister.