Dear Grannie (ie of course),

I'm not sure I know where to begin! Just flicking through these tributes and images, it is clear just how remarkable you were. It is clear that you touched the lives of so many people, in so many important ways, myself included.

I was lucky enough to call you my Grannie, and that is a privilege which I will hold dear for the rest of my life. As Mum told me that Uncle Robert once said, how is one to write about someone who is part of them? And that is so true for me. To put it simply, you were my inspiration. There is no doubt that I would not be the young woman that I have become today without you - you have been and will always be my inspiration.

I have too many fond memories to even begin summarising them here: all those abbey visits as a kid (the stepping stones!), museums (remember the penny game and murder mysteries!), those long walks in the dales (oh the chats we had), to Wales to watch the rugby (that embarrassing daffodil hat...), to Middleham castle (those toilets...!), and our pilgrimage to the Bronte sisters (you made me a cheese sandwich but they actually had them!) to name but a few.

But all those trips weren't it with you! You always there, whether it be physically or in your wonderful letters you used to write to me. I have so many great memories just being with you, playing with the toys, hearing you talk about your beloved family history (which I promise I will write up for our future generations!), just having a cup of tea! I remember my shock once when you were looking after me and Emily as Mum and Dad had gone away skiing, and I came into your room at night as I was upset about something, and I had a lovely night sleeping next to you - but I could not believe that you went to make a cup of tea about 4am! Your love of tea has most certainly passed on to me and Emily!

I am sorry that we did not get more time together, but I have wonderful last memories with you - our trip to Coverdale last summer was just magical. I don't think I have ever respected someone so much as I do you - you have gone through so much in the last couple of years, and yet you always continued to put me first. You really are a warrior, are not were, because it lives on in everyone you touched. I hope in my life I can share just an ounce of your compassion. As I read at your funeral, I will always do all the good I can as I know you did, and I hope I can make you proud.

I thought when I came to see you at Jimmy's that would be the hardest thing I've ever done. Yet, despite everything, you somehow made me feel at ease, as you always did. And your beautiful sense of humour never left you - as I took your hand for the last time you even managed to tell me that my hands were cold!

I am so happy to be in Durham studying History, making me feel so close to you. I am only sorry that I never got to see you there, but know that you will always be in my heart, wherever I may be. Living next to the National Union of Mineworkers in Durham, when I pass it everyday I will think of you, and I know that you will be thinking of me too. 

I love you Grannie, my pet, my snuggies. I hope you know how much you meant to me.

All my love forever,

Rosie xxxx