A Good Send Off

As funeral's go I think we did my Dad proud. He was never one for fuss so we kept the flowers simple and just from the family and asked for all donations to go towards the wonderful staff at the Sue Ryder care home where he spent his last couple weeks. It was so touching to see some of the staff from the hospice attend the funeral - my Dad thought he had never achieved much in his life and i think it is testament that in fact he did by them wanted to pay tribute to him from the short time they got to know him. My brother and a friend had made a short 3 minute film as part of a competition at the time Dad received his diagnosis about MND and the time he had remaining with his wife-my Mum. It didn't make the Cannes film festival this time but was perfect for the day. I was proud of my Mum as well as she wanted to hold it together - and she did just that. Dad had wanted his funeral to be a celebration of his life and it was just that. I've found a photo that I'd thought I'd share with you - taken in March this year but still captures the twinkle in his eye and I can almost hear his infectious laugh.

Thanks for all your support

Hi All

I'm briefly back for the weekend before going back up to Bedford for my Dad's funeral on Wed 21st Nov at 11.30am. I'd like to thank everyone for your support and comments - this has meant a lot to me and to my Mum who was very touched by this and a big thanks to Sam for publishing this on my behalf. MND is such a cruel disease (like so many others) and since diagnosis on my brother's birthday on 14th December 2005 we have witnessed my Dad going from fit and healthy to bedridden and not able to communicate in the final few hours. We lost him after 2 horrendous years and just after his 68th birthday. I now believe he is resting in peace and free from the suffering he endured and we hope to send him off in style next week. I'm still not sure if it is better to lose some one quickly as you don't see the suffering they endure but then perhaps feel robbed as you don't get a chance to say your good byes. This is one thing that we were able to do as we had plenty of quality time with Dad through the last 2 years (as the disease does not affect the mind) and he passed away having seen my Mum get her MBE from Prince Charles on 25th October this year and know that both my brother and i are forging aheaded with our lives and making a future for ourselves with our respective partners. My Dad left this world knowing he was loved and being proud of his family. He always said there were 3 most important things in life - your health, your relationship and your family - and I'd have to agree.
Thanks to Sam and Jo for keeping my Thursday classes covered and sorting out all the admin and for Nixi covering Exeter for me last Monday. I'm hoping to see everyone in Exeter again this Monday but will be another week before I am back in the Plymouth studio as will stay up in Bedford for couple days after the funeral. Look forward to seeing you all soon. xx

tragic news

Sadly Rosanna's dad passed away today after his horrific battle with Motor Neurone disease. Our thoughts are with Rosanna and her family at this difficult time. We are all missing Rosanna and looking forward to having her back.

Please leave any comments here for Rosanna or make a contribution to the Motor Neurone disease association here.

Sam x

Rosanna's absence

Hi All,

I am writing on behalf of Rosanna as she is unable to write at present, as some of you may know her dad has been ill for some time with a horrible illness called Motor Neurone Disease. After months of deterioration Rosanna's dad has taken a turn for the worst and Rosanna has been called by the hospital to go up and spend time with her dad while she still can. It is an awful situation and it is at times like this that people need all the support they can get. Please leave some comments here so that Rosanna and her family know that they are in our thoughts.

All Rosanna's classes will be covered by either Myself, Nixi or Jo. Exeter cover will be comfirmed asap.

Sam x