The circumstances surrounding our gathering today maybe tragic, however, sadness and tears would not have been what mum would have wanted. Her positive attitude to life always recognised the glass to be half full, unless it was sherry, and then her glass tended to be empty or in the process of being topped up. Mum always knew how to handle any challenge she was faced, and with this she would always do it will style and finesse, adding a sense of entertainment to any situation. Even when I crashed my car into a field of cows a few years back now, mum insistent on us all posing in a ‘paparazzi style’ photo with us all looking over the top gloomy – and although a little strange, mum lightened our spirits and put things into perspective in the only way she knew how. Some people would have shouted and screamed, but not mum, she had a unique way of dealing with situations that just made you feel safe. Mums friends and family meant the world to mum and whether it was the school fate at Hazel Leys Primary School, a haven holiday’s with the Lenton’s, fun at the McCarts, nights out with the first wives club or living it up with her sister in a hot, all inclusive resort – mum lived for all these moments and memories. Although she did try and forget one particular journey to the airport courtesy of Tristan and the pouring rain – however she never turned down a lift, and still never drove onto a motorway to this day. Mum was so full of love and really did wear her heart on her sleeve. Having found her niche working at Hazel Leyes Primary School, mum dedicated so much of her time to supporting the school and with this, the children to achieve. Mum’s approach to life was always centred around what she could do for others, and with this has left void in many people’s hearts and minds –however, mum would not want us to dwell on this. We must admire her legacy, celebrate her successes and take some of her sparkle through our own lives, ensuring her loving, caring and warm approach to life lives on. This is not about saying goodbye to you mum, but about saying thank you. Robert and I are so proud of you, and thank you for bringing us up with strong values and dedicated attitudes that enable us to shape our futures and reflect your special sparkle as we do this. We will all approach life now, not with a sense of loss, but a sense of purpose, reflecting how you, and only you believed in everyone. Mum - We’ll never find another friend to take the place of you, no one will ever touch our world exactly like you, no one who’s quite so thoughtful, no one we admire so much, no one who means so much to us and we wanted you to know. All our love mum, now and forever xx