Back in 1977, a gaggle of girls met for the first time at school, then known at The Convent of Notre Dame and now known as Trinity School in Teignmouth, South Devon. 41 years ago! When we were 11 years old. For some of us even longer.  I was six years old when I joined. It had it's ups and downs but I am lucky enough to look back with very happy and fond memories mostly, of those carefree years.  Although I think I may have been a handful in those days! Say no more!!

Once we reached 16 and 18 we dispersed.  Zipping off with zest on our paths of destiny.  And one way or another, over the years we lost being in regular contact s a larger group. Life  takes over. 

However, Sandra managed to reunite us.  She had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer.  She fought hard to over come it over the years. She sought out alternative medicine which required numerous rounds of self-funding which she campaigned vigorously and tenaciously.   She was clearly determined to survive and although I am not a big fan of social media, I looked forward to receiving her very uplifting updates even though she was clearly going through hell and back.  I cannot say we had not been best friends at school but this was a women who I came to greatly admire in my adulthood. She put up an exceptionally brave fight which her family can surely look back on with enormous pride, knowing how brave she was.  Sadly she lost to just before Easter this year.  The Rowcroft Hospice looked after Sandra during the last few weeks and am sure gave her family enormous support in the last month or so of her life.  I felt great sadness at her passing.  She had been a real fighter right to the very end.  She clearly leaves a very talented artist in her daughter and a son who has empathy and kindness beyond his young years.

The Rowcroft Hospice is an exceptionally special place and gives enormous support to a tremendous amount of people.   Myself and my family included. When my father was dying, some 28 years ago this August, just after my 25th birthday,  I was devastated.  The support and kindness of the staff has always stayed with me and I have come to realise, with time and reflection, that they not only helped my father pass from this world peacefully, calmly and with dignity, they also gave to me that same very special memory to be able to move on with as well.

That was a gift that helped me heal. It was a beautiful place to pass away for my father for which I will be forever grateful. I hope it was for Sandra too.

I recently lost a dear friend of mine, Christof, to an aggressive brain tumour and he was also cared for at the end by a wonderful local hospice in Sussex.  His wonderful Kerry, also recently participated in a fundraising activity for the local hospice which helped Christof, Kerry and their two wonderful daughters through the very worst of times.   

And my father in law, Kenneth, found enormous comfort from his local Primrose Hospice in Bromsgrove.  He was a very pragmatic man and although he knew his time was limited through deteriorating health in his twilight years , he enjoyed giving his time to visiting others there offering friendship and conversation. 

The Rowcroft Hospice is in much needs of funds as local UK hospices are.  It offers invaluable support to so many people, both at home and at the hospice at one of he most difficult stages of a person's and their families lives.

To celebrate Sandra’s life and for those when hospice care has touched our lives in some way, a group of us oldie Notre Damer’s have joined together and are planning as a team - to walk the 5 to 10 mile Rowcroft Sleep Walk on July 7th in Torquay.  

Really looking forward to walking and talking with this 'midlife' gaggle of girls who I have not seen for eons and laughing again as well all did constantly from 1977 and beyond.

I'm in that piccie somewhere to the left looking slightly ghost like... more Vit D needed... mental note... must buy cabin by the sea somewhere hot before I am 65!

Thanks for your support.  Literally no amount too small!  

Sam.  xx

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