In August 2009 Judith was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

I remember the day well as it was our wedding anniversary. So much for heart burn! Our life was about to be turned upside down.  A few days later she collapsed at home and was rushed to MK Hospital.

There followed a few weeks trying to get infections etc. stabilised so she could have a ‘Whipple’ operation in late October. While the clock is ticking the chances of a successful operation grow less. Look up the stats and you will be shocked.

http://www.pancreaticcancer.org.uk/get-involved/raise-awareness/share-our-animated-infographic

She finally had the op and 7 hours later came round minus a lot of bits and some major re plumbing.

That single day in August was to be a catalyst for a life change but was also a cloud that was forever with us. As she convalesced with steps forward and backward, we decided to live the dream that we had almost jokingly talked about…running a guest house together….good grief we were mad!

I left my job in London and we started to look for the ideal house, finding Link House quite quickly. December 2010 we moved in on the coldest day of the year. Ever the organiser, Judith and Jen came up to organise the move in while I stayed in MK to finalise the move out. By the time I arrived the day had been a success, though I don’t think anyone knows how given the snow and ice. Within a day, we had an invitation to a party. This was the first of many here and an introduction to a real community.

Judith enjoyed her life in the Lake District and we were very happy developing the guest house together. This was the first time we had worked together. During 2013 she had had a series of infections which with hind sight were probably the first symptoms of a bigger problem. In October we had confirmation that the cancer had returned and spread but being a fighter she wanted to go through with a regime of stronger chemotherapy. She never got to that point. Another infection took hold and within a few days she had to be admitted to hospital where she passed away within 24 hours.

All of us will miss her terribly but she will at least be spared the trials of chemo.