Sadly Jill lost her fight against Breast Cancer on 14th March. She had been fighting the disease off and on for 9 years. After the initial diagnosis and treatment and having been 'in remission' for 7 years, she thought she had it beat, and was living life to the full. Tragically in spring 2006 the disease recurred and had spread through her body. In the last two years she continued to bravely fight the disease and still managed many happy moments.
This page is a celebration of her life and gives a few clues to the rare and fabulous person she was to remind family and friends.
| Jill was born in London, went to University in Essex, where she met Greg, and has lived in Woldingham for the last 26 years. She has two adult children, Kiran and James, and had been very happily married for 33 years when she died. By profession she was a management accountant, although she put her family first, and for the last 9 years she has focussed on having fun, voluntary work and surviving Cancer. She will be sorely missed by many but not forgotten by anyone who met her. |  | |||||
| Jill's
Voluntary Work She started active support for Breakthrough Breast Cancer after she was diagnosed. She has done many fund raising events including: the 2001 Trek to Nepal, 2002 Moonwalk Marathon, another 2005 Moonwalk, and a 2007 Crocus Walk. When able to she also worked for Breakthrough on the 'Generations' project. Jill worked
with the Princes Youth Business Trust for a number of years mentoring
young business people and representing PYBT to Banks in Surrey. Jill was also a member of the NHS East Surrey Patient forum and worked to improve health care in our area. A notable success being the dramatic reduction in audiology waiting times. Jill was a Parish Councillor for Woldingham for 8 years and was Chairman for the last four years. Finally, and true to her character, Jill befriended and helped many other women diagnosed with Breast Cancer offering advice and consolation from her own experience. | ||||||
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Photo Galleries of Jill |
Some Press
Cuttings | |||||
| Jill's Memorial Celebrations 18th April 2008 St Paul's was bursting at the seams with over 250 family and friends. The service was enjoyed by everyone I spoke to with a good balance between tears, laughter and admiration for Jill. The most common accolade, and which I confess was the one I most wanted and valued, was "Jill would have loved it". For those of you who want to remember, or those who were unable to attend, but would like a sense of the service the following links will give you a flavour.
Many people went to pay their last respects to Jill where she lays in St Agatha's on the edge of Woldingham. From St Paul's we all walked to the Village Club for drinks and canapes. This was followed by a buffet and dancing, the hardy finally calling it a day just before mid night. Throughout the day John Miles, with whom Jill and I shared a flat at University, took photographs. You can see these here and other examples of his awesome photography here. It was wonderful to see so many people enjoying themselves and reminiscing about Jill. A very fitting was to say goodbye in an unforgettable way to an unforgettable person. Greg | ||||||
| Jill's
Memorial Funds | ||||||
| Breakthrough | Marie
Curie | |||||
Last Updated: 27th May 2008