Readings
Reading by Debbie Howells (Friend and Colleague)
"I knew Sarah for about 3 years, whilst studying at university, she became a close friend and confidant, and we chose to travel together for our final elective placement in New Zealand. There is so much to say about Sarah in a short space of time, and I apologise if I go vacant or hesitant, I can imagine Sarah up there now saying, 'don't blame that on me luvvie you're like it anyway!'
Sarah was full of character, and very determined to succeed in what she did. Both fellow student colleagues and I noticed and admired the way in which she was open and honest with how she felt. She had a sunny disposition. We need her here now saying "Come on, and get a grip" or "Chin up luvvie". She would try and make light of a subject in stressful situations. Sarah always wanted to do the right thing and loved to be liked. She loved her job, and life! Cramming many things into her life, particularly travelling, and sampling and becoming an expert in many New Zealand wines!!!
She had a fabulous time travelling, and I have chosen a song to play now, its one that Sarah loved, and would always have her up on the dance floor, singing, dancing, having fun. Doing what Sarah enjoyed doing - living!!
She will be missed and we will never forget the impact she made on our lives and the lives of others.
RIP mate"
Reading by Lin Edroff (Mother)
"Sarah
Where do I start????
How do I describe someone, so full of life, love and passion for the day, so many dreams for the future, and such pride in her qualification as a Registered Midwife, her job at Bournemouth Hospital maternity unit. She lived each day to the full and the house was filled with the enthusiasm that was part of her.
She lit up our lives.
We marvelled at her energy and drive, her zest for living life to the full, always going at full speed, as if she was scared of missing even a moment. She was as oblivious of her own beauty as she was about the way she touched people’s hearts. Fiery and feisty, she didn’t suffer fools gladly, but had a compassion for people that few possess. We, her family, have always been proud of her; her achievements were an added bonus. She was truly beautiful both inside and out, and I have no doubt that, had she lived, she would have gone far in her chosen career, as her enthusiasm alone would have carried her to the top of the world. We are lucky to have had Sarah in our lives, to share the up’s and down’s, highs and lows, to feel her love and know she felt safe and secure in the fact that we loved her. We are a close family, openly sharing our love for each other, for which I am eternally grateful. Her home was her haven, her “safe house” where she guarded her privacy ferociously!!!! Today has to be a celebration of her life: her beauty, her humour, her joy: the party animal!!!!! She always looked her best; her face for the world was groomed and smart, fun and quirky, but always immaculate. Today, let’s remember that, the smile upon her face and the joy in her heart, keep her smiling forever."
On 11th November 2003, Sarah was remembered at the Maternity Unit at Bournemouth hospital, when the new balcony was dedicated to her memory. Here are some words written for the occasion.
"This is a bittersweet occasion for all of us today. We are here for the opening of the new balcony that is being named after my daughter Sarah. It is with much pride that we, her family, remember and acknowledge the passion and love she had for her chosen profession as a midwife. She worked hard to achieve this qualification and we rejoiced with her when she became a member of staff here at the Bournemouth Maternity Unit.
As her friends and colleagues will recall she had so much enthusiasm for her future and so much to offer. So today we celebrate her time with us and her dreams for the future of this unit, for now, in her own way, she will always be a part of it. The fact that this balcony has been named after her is a reflection of her ability to emit life and love around her, a fitting attribute in this line of work!!!!
I read somewhere recently 'We cannot judge a biography by its length, by the number of pages in it: we must judge it by the richness of its content'. I believe Sarah’s life was rich, as is ours, for knowing her. I hope the balcony will be enjoyed by many, and bring pleasure to those who use it.
Sarah loved the sun and I feel she will shine down on it with as much pride as we feel to have it named after her."
