Hello
everyone I’m so glad to see you here today, on an occasion like this it’s good
to be surrounded by friends.
Thank you so
much for all the kind words and thoughts that you have shared with us.
They have
been a great help to Daniel, Matthew, and myself over these very dark days.
Firstly I
will tell you a little about the accident that took Elspeth from us. Five
friends set out on the second day of the C2C walk. We were all in good spirits
as we had had a wonderful walk the day before. We were walking, single file,
along a good track, in good weather. Elspeth stumbled and then fell. I got to Elspeth’s side in less than 30
seconds, to find her peaceful but unresponsive.
I was told later that she would not have suffered at all.
We did what
we could while we waited for the mountain rescue team to arrive, kept her warm,
talked to her, and I prayed for her as having seen the fall that Elspeth suffered
I did fear the worst.
When the Mountain
Rescue Team arrived they were absolutely wonderful.
The
professionalism of those volunteers gave her every chance of surviving, they
never gave up on her, but unfortunately her injuries proved to be just too
severe.
Knowing that
Elspeth was given every chance was important to me, it was the first step on my
journey in dealing with this tragedy.
Along with
the mountain rescue team there are 2 other groups that I would like to thank;
Our friends
that were on the walk with
us, the help and support they gave was so kind especially as they were involved
in a tragedy that was to rob them of a dear friend.
I am also grateful
for the support and care that Blackrod Cricket Club gave to Daniel &
Matthew in the 6 hours between me telling them about the accident and my return
home. It was such a comfort to know that
they were not alone at that awful time.
Such
kindness was given by all those involved in this tragedy it has been of great
comfort to us.
As I stand
here before you I feel no anger as no blame can be cast. This was just a freak
accident that has left a massive void in our lives
So fate has
taken Elspeth away but then it was fate that lead me to her in the first place
almost 30 years ago.
I think I
knew straight away that Elspeth was the one for me and we married here 2 years
later. It was a decision that we never regretted as we were best friends and
soulmates. We were a good team as our
strengths and weaknesses complimented each other’s.
I suppose what
I am saying to you is that I had 30 years of a near perfect partnership with
the most wonderful person I have ever met.
So it would
be churlish of me not to say that I am a lucky man even given the tragic loss
of Elspeth.
Elspeth was
a kind, caring, open, honest, considerate, warm, funny, dependable, sincere,
modest, clever, generous, supportive, energetic, welcoming, and loving
person. I’ve taken these word from the
many kind cards we received.
She chose
teaching as a career after university and I think it really suited her as she
was happiest when she was helping people.
When our
boys arrived Elspeth put her career on hold so she could look after them, and
latterly our mothers as well. When she returned to work it wasn’t into
mainstream teaching but as one to one support to pupils that needed special
help.
She really
loved this work, and those she taught seemed to love her as well. I remember
meeting one of her first pupils by chance when we were visiting Glasson Dock
(yes I know I took Elspeth to all the best places). The way the young lady
greeted Elspeth you’d be excused for thinking she was a member of her family.
Other
friends have said that, even though they only met Elspeth on a few occasions
they feel as though she was their special friend.
Well she
loved people, she took a real interest them, and she wanted to help whenever
help was needed.
She had such
a loving and caring nature, and was so likable that if you brushed passed
Elspeth in a corridor then you had probably just made a friend for life.
I always
knew how lucky I was, I even chose the theme from the Saint as Elspeth’s
ringtone on my phone, well I really thought she was one.
When Elspeth
passed away she was happy, healthy, and loved by family and friends. So it is all of us that have to bear the grief
of this tragic loss.
The grief that
we share is a testament to the love and friendship she so willingly gave to us
all.
It is clear
to me that I shared Elspeth with everyone that knew her. She truly was “our Elspeth”.
So in
closing I have a few words that I would like to say to Elspeth from us all.
If flowers
grow in heaven Lord, then take a bunch, be swift,
Place them
into Elspeth’s arms and tell her they’re our gift.
Tell her we
love and miss her, and when she turns to
smile,
Place a kiss
upon her cheek and hold her for a while.
Remembering
her is easy; we do it every day,
but with an
ache within our hearts that will never go away.