I‘m Nicola McShane, one of Susanne’s closest friends. Susanne and I met over 30 years ago in Upton Hall Convent School. We weren’t in the same class or year group for those who know us well, she was 4 years older than me something I never let her forget. Susanne was my sixth form prefect a role she took very seriously helping, guiding younger people a role she continued to do throughout her life. You may have been privilege to know this wonderful lady in some way - loving, caring daughter, sister, sister in law, niece, cousin, friend. To her many colleagues and friends at Our Lady of Pity, Susanne. To probably thousands the dedicated, wonderful teacher Miss Adams and finally to one lucky boy, the most amazing godmother.

Susanne was the best giver of hugs, loving, Harry Potter mad, compassionate, witty, David Tenant’s no 1 fan, generous, kind, caring, dedicated, a wonderful teacher, she had an infectious smile, a Diet Coke addict, enthusiastic, gifted, had a gorgeous heart, chocoholic, vibrant, a nutcase, a shinning star - taken from us all far too soon.

‘Remember me’ by Anthony Dowson -

Speak of me as you have always done. Remember the good times, laughter, and fun. Share the happy memories we've made. Do not let them wither or fade. I'll be with you in the summer's sun, And when the winter's chill has come. I'll be the voice that whispers in the breeze. I'm peaceful now, put your mind at ease. I've rested my eyes and gone to sleep, But memories we've shared are yours to keep. Sometimes our final days may be a test, But remember me when I was at my best. Although things may not be the same, Don't be afraid to use my name. Let your sorrow last for just a while. Comfort each other and try to smile. I've lived a life filled with joy and fun. Live on now, make me proud of what you'll become.

Many lines in that poem stand out to me but one in particularly sometimes our final days may be a test. Susanne faced many ups and downs in her life - well what do you expect being a Tranmere supporter. Through all her downs she would always use a bit of Harry Potter magic and pull herself through smiling. Although this wasn’t to be the case with her final battle. Since her diagnose of a Glioblastoma in Jan 22 she remained positive, never once questioned why me if anything she would say thank God it’s me and not you. We are still searching for that magic wand to make everything right again. I will continue that search on her behalf so that others do not suffer in the same way.

On Sunday 11th June at 3:50pm, Susanne lost her bravely fought battle and at that exact moment a butterfly flew past the nursing staff waiting outside her room. I truly believe this was our beautiful Susanne bursting out from her cocoon growing her wings and flying off to heaven.

On Sunday 23rd April 2023, Susanne and I watched the 2023 London Marathon. I had started running, well when I say running I had started the couch to 5k once again having failed to complete it a few times before. Running was helping me mentally to support Susanne in the best way I could. Whilst watching the race, Susanne said, “You could do that, do it for me next year!” She had her sense of humour right to the end but I thought why not, it‘s nothing compared to what she was experiencing. Well she is now having the last laugh. I applied for London 2024, never once thinking I would get a place. A week after Susanne died I received a telephone call from Brain Research UK offering me a charity place - yes Susanne had worked her Harry Potter magic!

So … on Sunday 21st April 2024 I will be running the London Marathon for Brain Research UK in memory of our lovely Susanne. I will be running alongside another close friend, Stacey who along with my wonderful family have pulled me through these last couple of years.

You can shed tears that she is gone, or you can smile because she has lived. You can close your eyes and pray that she'll come back, or you can open your eyes and see all she's left. Your heart can be empty because you can't see her, or you can be full of the love you shared. You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday, or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday. You can remember only that she is gone, or you can cherish her memory and let it live on. You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back. Or you can do what she'd want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

That is exactly what Susanne would want us to do smile, open your eyes, love and go on - thank you for reading our story and I am very grateful for any support you can give me for this amazing charity in memory of Susanne. xxx