Elena was born in 1979 in Cardiff. She spent the first five years of her life growing up in Italy, and then returned to Wales with her older sister and mother. She went to junior, secondary school and university in Wales but also spent a year out in Italy. Sadly, she lost her mother to breast cancer in 2009 and two years later Elena was diagnosed with the disease. She battled it for two and a half years before it took her life on 26 February 2014.

We lost an immensely loving, caring, considerate, compassionate, humble and talented young woman whose concerns, even in her last days, were for the welfare and happiness of those she loved most. Elena was an endearing wife, mother, sister, daughter, granddaughter, auntie, stepdaughter, cousin, and to all – a friend – who gave so much, asking for nothing in return.  

Today we ask that you give something back in her name and in the spirit of friendship and love with which she surrounded us. A donation, small or big, to Velindre Cancer Centre to help nurses and doctors provide care and support for those who will in future suffer in the same way would be greatly appreciated, particularly by Elena. Thank you.