To me, it is not just Jo who is no longer here, it is also us, the single person that Jo & I became from that first moment we met.

We may have been robbed of so many years, but it is a blessing that not a moment was wasted from that first meeting in Province. It is incredible that a total stranger can instantly become the most important person in your life. We both became who we were always meant to be. We stopped worrying about where we fitted in the world and just had the most amazing 23 years of our lives.

We had our big adventures to Iceland, Australia, New Zealand and the Galapagos Islands. But the true us was in the small quiet moments, the two of us just holding hands, safe in the knowledge that we had each other, no matter where we were, or what we were doing.

After the diagnosis Jo was so brave, facing the impossible, making so many courageous decisions with what she was going through. The highs and the lows, the good days and the struggles, the treatments and the adventures.

Jo made a list of the things she wanted to do and the places she wanted to visit – she did them all. Exmoor, Dunster Castle, Withypool, Center Parks with the family, 5 Star Hotel in London, posh afternoon tea with her mum and sister, Longleat, Cheddar, Lynton & Lynmouth, and a final ghost hunt with Sarah.

Jo showed such strength and tenacity, but when her body finally started to falter, the care and affection given to Jo in St Peter’s Hospice was simply unbelievable. Words cannot do justice to convey the difference that each and every one of the staff made to the final few weeks of Jo’s life. Jo became a legend in the hospice with the unbelievable fight that she showed, her wicked sense of humour, her lovely skin that everybody was jealous of, and of course her beautiful smile.

Jo was simply a very special person, amazing, brave, crazy, courageous, clever, funny, beautiful, smart, wonderful and kind. You have made footprints on our hearts forever, we are all going to really miss you.

St Peter’s Hospice

We can’t stop death. But together, we can make sure people get care that’s right for them, when they need it.

St Peter’s Hospice exists to provide free adult hospice care for everyone that needs their support. From those with a life-limiting condition, to those that care for and about them, St Peter’s has been providing tailored and holistic care to those in need in the Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset area for over 40 years.

But St Peter’s can’t do it without help from the public. Thank you for your support.