Grandma was one of the most caring, thoughtful and loving people I knew. She would always put Grandad, Mum, Edd, Dad, myself or frankly everyone else around her before thinking of herself.

I have very fond memories of running around the garden and the magical spare bedroom with its corridor of mysterious Grandparent stuff in Highlands Road. Grandma would be often found cooking and baking downstairs. The sugary aroma of Victoria Sponge would eventually draw us out, much to Grandma’s delight…

Later, when she moved to Paynes Court, it puts a smile on my face to remember offering some ‘technical support’:

Grandma: “How do I turn on the TV?”
Me: “Press the red button on the small black box with lots of buttons on it.”
Grandma: "What, on the box I’m talking to you on now…?”

My more recent memories are from visits to her at Lime Tree Court. It wasn’t always the easiest to visit. However, seeing her perk up and smile when she heard music would always warm my heart. On one fortuitous visit, my jaw hit the floor as I walked into the lounge to watch her stroking a cat purring on her lap. This is the same woman who had spent the previous 80 years petrified of any feline company…