Peta Nichola Elliott (29 Jan 1959 - 3 Apr 2024)

It is with great sadness that the Elliott family announce the passing of Peta. Beloved daughter of John and Muriel, sister of Johnathan, sister in law to Jacqs and Aunt of Sam, Lulu and Joe.

Peta was born in Nairobi, Kenya on 29th January 1959. She moved with her family to a house on the beach in Mombasa, where she lived until 1970, when the family moved to Johannesburg, South Africa.

She was popular at school with her blonde hair, easy smile, “funny” accent and being from exotic Kenya. Most of the people she met in those early years, are still her friends today, which shows how much she was loved.

After completing school she attended college, then went into travel, where she took full advantage of the industry she loved, and travelled extensively.

It was after a trip to Mauritius, that she had an horrific car accident, which left her with severe brain damage. She was in a coma for 16 days and the prognosis wasn’t looking good, but after spending 12 months in hospital, re-learning how to walk and talk, Peta went home. Her parents John and Muriel, and an army of friends, worked tirelessly to rehabilitate Peta and the perseverance paid off. Although Peta never returned to her beloved career, she was still able to travel, spending time in Dubai, and 18 months living in the US.

Whilst living in Johannesburg, Peta and her father joined Headway, the brain injury association, where Peta, drawing on her own experiences, was able to offer compassionate and empathetic understanding, giving help and advice to others with the same challenges as her.

She moved to the UK with her parents in 2001 and settled in Sleaford, Lincolnshire. Again she found her place at Headway, where she’s remembered fondly for her hard work, understanding, willingness to help others, and ready smile.

Unfortunately, her mother died in 2016 which left a huge void that could never be filled. In 2019, she moved to West Sussex with her father to be nearer her brother and his family.

Since Peta’s accident, she has faced life’s challenges with guts and determination - many would have crumbled, but she kept on going. She has left a hole in our hearts, that can never be filled, but our consolation is that she is finally with her mother again, shopping for clothes, and having a good old natter.