Linda

This is Linda, my late wife. Sadly most people who I know on the 'Net will not have met her. She was taken ill whilst we lived in Cyprus, at the beginning of December 1997. Flown back immediately, Linda was admitted to the Radcliffe Infirmary in Oxford where she was cared for by a wonderful bunch of people. Apart from two nights in early March, her last seven months were spent there.

Linda was born on 25th March 1953, and died on 22nd June 1998 suffering from Motor Neurone Disease. This is a particularly cruel illness, robbing the sufferer slowly of all motor function yet leaving the brain fully aware of all that is going on. Anyone wishing to learn more about MND should visit the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

This picture was taken sometime in 1994. I've added a couple of extra pix here.

Life was never going to be easy after Linda died. Indeed, the first year has been particularly hard for me, and for the kids. From a personal viewpoint, I was fortunate to have discovered a wonderful bunch of boys and girls on the Fairport Convention e-mail list; the link takes you to our FAQs.

It was the girls 5th birthday shortly after Linda died. The gang on the list rallied and flooded the place with cards for the kids, and a few gifts as well; even the band sent a card! I can never fully express my appreciation to these people for what they did that day; saying 'Thank you' just never seems to be enough, does it?

Before she went, Linda asked that her ashes be scattered at Avebury, a site that was particularly special to her. If you ever go there, spare her a thought.

Linda, we all miss you.

© Shogem 2008