On the 21st January 2009 my beautiful and amazing Mum Lena Dewsbury died suddenly of Ovarian Cancer aged 55.

My mum fell ill a few weeks before Christmas 2008. Mum was admitted to hospital, but discharged nine days later with a bowel condition and was told her condition would improve with bed rest and medication. After two extremely restless and painful weeks Mum’s condition worsened, so we re-admitted her to hospital.

Two days later my family and I were informed by the doctor that Mum had cancer, we were completely oblivious to how advanced the cancer was, and how little time we had left with my Mum.My family and I became extremely concerned at how rapidly Mum’s health was deteriorating and had expressed our concern's to the doctor in charge.

Seven days later, our worst nightmare came true, and we were informed that Mum had days to live. It was difficult to believe that in a few days time, my Mum who had been our strength in life and had always showered us with love and care, was about to die.

During Mum’s last few day's, my family and I were able to stop with Mum and look after and care for her like she had always done for us. Mum peacefully passed away with her family around her on the 21st January 2009 at 5.25am.

My mum's strength, courage and determination will live on, not only in the heart's of her family, but in the heart's of many other's she had been in contact with in all walk's of life. My Mum had a wicked dry sense of humor, and would tell hilarious tale's that would keep you at the edge of your seat. Mum had the ability to make anyone feel at ease, comfortable and welcome. Her smile would light up a room, and her eyes had such warmth which all the family will miss dearly.

My Mum's passion was her family, she was a devoted wife to my Father Michael, an amazing Mother to me, my Brother Peter and Sister Laura, also a doting and adored Nanny to Alfie and Harry, a loving Sister to Diana and Peter and adored Auntie to Jennifer and Robert. Mum also welcomed our partner's to the family with open arm's, James, Matthew and Kerrie whom she loved dearly.

My family and I have some wonderful memories of things we had done in the last few months of Mum’s life, one being my wedding to my husband James in Sept 08, which my mum was”Queen for the day” and spent all day telling everyone she was Mother of the bride with a big Cheshire cat smile on her face, these memories we will cherish forever.

My sister Laura, Aunty Diana, Cousin Jennifer, Mum's Cousin Kim, Family friend Dawn and I have decided to do race for life on the 6th June 2009 at Tatton Park in memory of my mum, as we would hate for others to have to go through the pain and devastation my mum and family have had to endure, so please help us to help others by sponsoring
Thank you for reading my story

Love Karen and the team x

Donations Raised Offline.

Weaver Vale Housing Trust £119.80 Cheque Sent

Shirley & Peter Douglas £50.00 In memory of Helena who gave so much happiness to so many people. Cheque Sent

Michelle & Phil Lewis £50.00 Sent

Diana & Don Fletcher £200.00 In memory of my fantastic sister who will always stay in my heart. Sent

Diane and David Cookson £25.00 Sent

Diane Jones £5* Cash paid in as online sponsor 3

Friend £100 Cheque Sent

Jill Shepherd £ 20 (cash added to online donation 2) Sent

Helen and Gary Noble £20 (added to online donation under joint) Sent

Lynn and John Baker £10 (added to online donation under joint) Sent

Mike and Carol Taylor £10 (added to online donation under joint) Sent

Jo Bailey £5 (Cash added to online donation 2) Sent

Colin £20 ( Added to online donation under joint) Sent

Siemens £100 Cheque sent

Charity cheque £20 sent

Ric Gauld £10 ( added to online donation under joint) Sent

Liz Madders £5 (Cash added to online donation under joint 2) Sent

Alan Giles £25 Cheque received

Mrs Lee £2 (added to online donation under joint) Sent