My darling Geoff died on Sunday 14th November 2010

your Geoff, sounds a great man and I know he will be a big loss to you, My son was unable to donate his organs due to m.s. but like Geoff had tissue removed to help others,That is a small consolation to me and I am sure will be to you, it won't stop your grief but will help you to know you carried out his wishes to help others.

Take care,  don't expect too much of yourself for a while,  remember we will be here if you need a shoulder to cry on,

Dear Liz

Our thoughts are with you as we read the sad news. I think Cathy's words say it all, love to you and the family xx

so sorry to here of your poor geoffs death thinking of you and your familyxxx

Thank you all for your sincere comments and words of comfort.  It was Geoffs inquest on January 12th which wasn`t as daunting as I`d expected but still very emotional and upsetting. What makes me so angry is that the solicitors cannot trace the firms insurance co. so Geoff will not receive any compensation from the civil suit. The solicitor is following up another route for product liability but says it is not necessarily hopefull.  It has never been about the money , it is about someone being accountable for my lovely husbands death.

I am reall struggling with this lose and every day he has been gone seems worse than the day before. I have done as he always urged me to do and have gone back to my patchwork classes and I am constantly supported by friends and family but all I want is for Geoff to walk back through the door, though I do know that he never will. Each evening I thank God for helping me through the day then each morning I feel so angry that I have to face another day without him. It will be our wedding ann. on the 24th Jan. and I am dreading it. I know I am not depressed because I do plan things to keep me busy and take me out of the house, I just have as all of you that have lost your loved one must feel and that is the most horrendous empty sad feeling which never goes away. I can look at photoes constantly but it is not being able to hear his voice that is so sad.  

Sorry for feeling sorry for myself as I know how many of you are suffering also. I hope your days are brighter than mine are at the moment. remembering you all in my prayers.  LIZBRAD x

Hi everyonewho reads these posts.  It is now 17 months since my husband Geoffs`` death.  Every day is still so very hard although the rawness of it does go away a little after what feels like forever. 

I have made myself do things which are positive as I gain strength from his memories and love,  and his positivity throughout his illness, but most of all remembering his sense of humour he was amazing and always found something to laugh about even in his darkest days of his illness.

I have,  because of my experience of looking after Geoff, been invited to take part in training days for medical students. I have been to two days altogether recently this year and found it very thereputic and felt it was something positive following his death.   The students asked me what was the hardest part about being a carer and my answer to that was When it stops. that I felt was when the hard part began making a new life without your loved one. 

I have also last week gone as a volunteer in the hospice shop which is very fullfilling and I would advise anyone in my position to go and give it a go.  I have met some really lovely people , staff and public alike.  I am also hoping to go very soon, as a volunteer into the Day Unit of the hospice itself where Geoff loved so much.  This may not be for everyone but we always had such support from them both  before and since his death it is something I really feel strongly about doing . There is laughter in there from first setting foot through the door. 

On a more practical note our solicitors are still working away with our compensation claim after reopening Geoffs file a couple of months after closing it when the insurance company could not be traced.  The solicitors are going at it from another angle so our fingers still remain crossed for a good outcome where someone will be finally  be held to account for Geoffs death. It is not about revenge but about justice.

The BBC recently did a television item about him which was aired on the Politicas Show which I was asked to take part in.  The  programme was done with great sensitivity and it was prerecorded so there was no need for being nervous.

As I type this I am greatly aware of how many of your lives may have changed since I was last on the site.  I hope whatever your circumstances you have love and strength to surround you all.

Love and prayers.  Lizbrad