Vanessa Iley was my partner of fifteen years, and my wife-to-be. We were finally meant to be wed last year but covid ruined everybody's plans. She was a beloved mother to Steve and Darren and nanny to three grandkids who she absolutely idolised. Sadly she died at the age of only 66 on 31st January 2021. She enjoyed a fabulous Christmas with much laughter over FaceTime chats and drinks. But in the New Year she took ill and struggled to get an appointment with her GP due to COVID restrictions. She became worse and died suddenly and unexpectedly. It was only after her death that we found out she had cancer. That was the ultimate cause of her death.

Last summer we decided to make the very most of the lockdown restrictions being eased and we drove at dawn along the M25 and up to A10 mostly into deepest Hertfordshire. In three months we completed eighteen circular walks in that county. We called it our Hertfordshire holiday. Most days we were home by midday so we posed and were exposed to as little risk as possible. Ness would be delighted we have chosen this charity as we loved our "Hertfordshire holiday" and it was our last one.

Thank you all very much. Xxxx