Shuhel Ahmed
In memory of Anne Appleton
Fundraising for Sam Beare Hospice
Story
Yesterday, on the 7th April 2015, my beautiful, brilliant and feisty wife lost her battle to cancer.
Actually, in many ways, in so typical fashion, Anne won several of the battles. She was diagnosed 2 years ago with an inoperable sarcoma in the pelvis, having thought for several months that she was suffering from sciatica ( doctors heh?). The expectations set were not high.
Having known from the original diagnosis that the sarcoma would be a killer she snubbed the bugger and got on with life. She took a short sabbatical from her career to undergo radiotherapy but then... headed back into the world as a consultant Pharma physician, working for leading companies in a number of fields.
BrAPP ( British Association of Pharmaceutical Physicians) will inaugurate the Dr Anne Appleton Lecture, with all proceeds going to her preferred charity .
Not only did she go back to work, she also set out on a plan to cram as many "top notch" holidays into her remaining time.
St Anton at New Year, Dubrovnik in early summer, in September we hit Sorrento and the Amalfi coast ( Grand Excellsior Hotel, my that was truly grand!) and Dubai in late October. She loved a good holiday, as did we all.
November turned a corner when she nearly passed away following a bowel obstruction and the devastating news that the Royal Marsden, the best cancer centre in Europe, had run out of tricks. Anne was discharged with a life expectancy of weeks, the consultant telling me she really hoped Anne would make it to Christmas.
Well, here we are , past Easter and Anne surpassed all expectations of the medical community, but not of me or her family. Her grit, determination, and on occasions sheer bloodimindedness got her through.
I can't deny the last few days were tough, but these were days 120+ after she was expected to pass. What a Champion , what a role model, what an absolutely fantastic wife and mother. We salute you and love you with all our hearts.
Wherever Anne went she met people and enriched their lives.
If you were minded to send flowers, please don't. Anne would much rather you made a donation to her charity of choice and the people that enabled her to die at home with dignity , but with support of health care angels like Julie and Sarah(Jane!).
She was my driving force and has given me two beautiful , loving and brilliant daughters.
Job done Anne.
I will love you forever and miss you until we meet again.
Tony xx