As friends go I class Pat as one of my best.
We met almost 20 years ago, I was employed by Victim Support to run the Epsom office, feeling very much the ‘new girl’ Pat took me under her wing and we have remained firm friends ever since.
Pat was probably one of the kindest most feeling people I have met, which perhaps is a side of her not everyone was aware of, as we think of her as a strong feisty lady who knew what she wanted and usually got it.
She was one of those people that you dream of having on your team – always willing to do anything and if asked you knew there would be no need to chase it up as it would be done so well and efficiently that there was no need to worry. As a volunteer, Pat took on some very difficult and sad cases for Victim Support always going that extra mile, she was loved and so highly thought of by our ‘victims’ - doing everything in her power to make things right, not a single stone left unturned!
On a personal note, she was a lovely friend, caring and interested. We would chat about everything and nothing, laugh and cry but always came out smiling.
I visited her in Ashtead hospital one time on the 4th March, she was so very low, she told me it was her wedding anniversary which was no longer celebrated so we have celebrate this day ever since, I will be sad not to send her her spring flowers next year.
We spent such happy days around Mudeford, staying in the caravan, visiting all the local beauty spots, which I think is how Pat got the idea of giving me and a friend, Sarah, membership of the National Trust each year for my birthday - Such a thoughtful and lovely thing to do. We stopped this a couple of years ago as the organisation messed up so many times – but dear Pat actually had membership cards from August this year for me – so thank you darling.
I will miss our pub lunches, wondering around the garden centres together with our statutory tea and cakes and the phone calls that cheered us both.
I felt so pleased and honoured to have been asked to Pat’s 80th birthday celebrations and so very pleased I made it, albeit rather late due to holdups on the M25. We spoke after that and she was so very pleased she had seen all the family and had had a lovely time.
Pat I am so glad I met you darling and even more glad you were my friend – I will miss you
Vera x
Comments