Last week we buried Phil, and his mum - they died within a week of each other, both from liver cancer. Phil's primary cancer was bowel, but it had spread to his liver. His mum was only diagnosed a few weeks ago.
Two funerals in one week is a lot for anyone, but it has left me completely numb. I dreaded Phil's funeral especially. The thought of showing my grief in front of all those people was horrendous. I found myself thanking everyone for coming at the end like some mad society hostess. However, it was a lovely ceremony, and his friend Garry's eulogy was amazing. It perfectly captured Phil's spirit and personality.
However, I did take a lot of comfort in the end from all those people showing up to pay tribute. And we collected over £400 for the Sue Ryder hospice who looked after Phil in his last few days. This is just the start of our fundraising activities, and a group of us are already planning to take part in a local event this summer to raise more money. Unfortunately this will involve running up and down hills with a straw bale and downing a pint at each of the five pubs along the way. As someone who doesn't drink beer, or do much exercise, I am slightly worried about my ability to do this, however, my training starts this afternoon, and I know the thought of me even attempting this would have amused Phil greatly.
Thanks to all the people who left lovely messages after my last post, just writing these thoughts down and hearing from people in the same position seems cathartic somehow.
