Mum, Grandma, Peggy, and Auntie Peggy to so many, however you knew Peggy you'll know what a strong, energetic, creative, driven and selfless person she was. She was a pioneer in her field, helping implement paediatric district nursing to the region and continuing to drive it forward through out her career. Her fondness for both fitness and cake is legendary and she could never do enough for others.

Unfortunately in mid October 22, Mum went from walking over to 26 miles and going to then gym 5 times a week, to suddenly feeling too weak to get up stairs. Shortly after being admitted to hospital she received a diagnosis on Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma and was put on a course of chemo therapy.

Under the amazing care of the haematology and MacMillan team at Oldham Royal, Mum started to get back to her usual self. But since then she encountered a veritable rollercoaster of highs and lows, which in April (the day after her 74th birthday), saw her readmitted into hospital where her condition rapidly deteriorated. Leaving her no longer able to walk or eat. 

We were then given the sad diagnosis that the Lymphoma had spread to her brain and the prognosis was terminal. After 3 months in hospital Mum's positive, fighting spirit always shone through and she managed to start eating once again and doing some supported physio exercises. 

Mum was eventually discharged on Thursday 29th June, achieving her goal of wanting to go home, but by Tuesday 4th July she was back in hospital and suffering with a great deal of pain and distress. Thankfully a bed was made available for her at Springhill Hospice and their dedication to her care was impeccable. They treated her with the respect and grace fitting for such and amazing woman. They also made it so my sister and I could be at her side for the remaining days. They strived to get her pain under control and eventually mum passed peacefully with a contented smile on her face. 

As such Claire and I would like to raise funds for the hospice to help support the amazing work they do and to thank them for making some of our hardest days into a comforting memory and allowing us to be so close when mum needed us. 

We will also have a collection at the funeral which will go to Macmillan nursing as they were also an amazing support through this tough journey.