Mum / Caroline lived for those closest to her throughout her life. She was an incredibly active, sociable person with a real zeal for adventure and a love for the great outdoors.

Mum was a wonderful mother to Claire, Jac and myself. She gave us the best possible start in life, supported us through the various trials and tribulations of growing up and, thankfully, lived to see 3 flights from the family nest, 3 careers begun, 3 marriages and 6 grandchildren to light up her and dad's lives.

Although it was painfully sad to tell her as she lay stricken just days before death, I was able to thank her for what she had done for us all. In fact, you could call her mission 'complete' as her unerring focus was the three of us. A job well done.

Unbeleivably, she lived with and coped with an appalling illness called Multiple System Atrophy for nearly 10 years. What is even more remarkable is the stoicism which which she faced the terrible ravages and indignities of the illness. It never beat her. During her final days it was the illness that gave up first.

It's impossible to articulate the void that mum leaves in all of our lives. She was a devoted wife to my dad throughout 37 years of marriage, a loyal, loving daughter to Nanny and Grampy, a wonderful sister to Andy and a friend to so many. Many have commented in their notes of condolence their memories of her laugh; it was one of the very last things she was still able to do as the illness took over.

As she entered the final chapter, she was fortunate to be in the care of the Earl Mountbatten Hospice on the Isle of Wight. Throughout the long, unstinting vigil of her family and close friends, the staff at the hospice provided a service that defies a concise representation through words. They were, simply, incredible in their care and pastoral support. It is a job that only very special people can do and we, as a family, will be forever in their debt.

We urge people to convert their words of sympathy and condolence into financial donations to the hospice. They are a vital service to the ill, dying and bereaved and need constant support from the general public. Please give generously.