Three generations of the same family pose for a picture to celebrate Phyll Wood’s dedication to East Cheshire Hospice.
Joining her at a special presentation to mark 15 years’ service as a volunteer are daughter Jan Lakin and granddaughter Emily.
The photograph was taken in November 2018. Tragically, both Emily and Phyll are no longer here.
Emily with her mum Jan and grandmother Phyll at the Hospice.
Phyll passed away in August 22, aged 95, while Jan lost her daughter Emily in late September, aged just 38.
Emily, a personal trainer, spent her final days as a Hospice patient.
It was her wish to stay there, recalling the happy times her nana and mum – also a volunteer – enjoyed at the Hospice.
Emily even unearthed a newspaper cutting of that souvenir photograph.
The newspaper cutting of Phyll Wood’s long service award.
She had been diagnosed with bowel cancer in March 2024, four months after feeling stomach pains initially blamed on over-indulgence at birthday and Christmas celebrations.
However, tests revealed a large tumour which was removed. Emily was eventually given the all-clear, only to be told last spring that the cancer had spread.
Her wedding to partner Adam Smith was arranged quickly, with young sons Orly and Arlo as the guests of honour.
Emily and Adam on their wedding day.
Mum Jan said: “Emily’s favourite month was December. She was a real Christmas girl, and it was her birthday that month. She was hoping she had another Christmas, but the cancer spread more rapidly than expected.
“Emily was very positive and determined. She used to say, ‘it is what it is, and I’ve just got to deal with it.’
“I’m afraid I’ve adopted that phrase and must deal with not having her around.
“It has been a horrible two years, though we’ve lots of lovely memories, including her wedding day.
“Emily had 20 rounds of chemotherapy and none worked.
“She didn’t want to die at home because of the boys. The Hospice was special to her because of our family connections.
“Emily arrived there in true style. Alpacas crossed the car park after an event at the Sunflower Living Well Centre and a brass band started playing as she settled into her room.
“Emily sat there laughing, saying, ‘mum I’m in the right place and what a welcome!’”
Emily, who also worked at The Tytherington Club and Bollington Leisure Centre, documented her journey via her Instagram page i.cancervive.
She wanted to raise awareness of the need to follow up on bowel cancer symptoms. * To donate visit www.justgiving.com/page/thank-you-east-cheshire-hospice