Lauren was my niece. She was born on 22 January, 1990 and was a ray of sunshine and a joy to know. She meant the world to me. She loved animals especially horses and her ambition when she was older was to become a vet. Sadly this was not meant to be. Lauren died peacefully at home on 4th April, 2004 after a six month battle with bone cancer. She was 14 years old. 

In September 2003 Lauren was taken to hospital with severe pains in her hip and leg. These pains had been occurring for several months but had been dismissed by the GP as growing pains. After x-rays and tests she was transferred to Birmingham Childrens Hospital for further investigation. She returned home a few days later after being diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma a rare form of bone cancer which affects mainly teenagers and is so rare that only twenty two children in the UK are diagnosed with it each year. After undergoing gruelling chemotherapy treatment at Manchester Childrens Hospital and radiotherapy at Christie Hospital Lauren was diagnosed as being terminally ill. She continued her fight with dignity and courage but the disease had been found too late for any treatment to be successful.

I have lovely, happy memories of Lauren. Those of a pretty, smiling, good natured girl who was growing up and becoming a teenager with everything to look forward to. She loved horse riding and had won many rosettes and trophies which were always kept on display at home. She loved going to school, seeing her friends, music and make up. I remember when she was my bridesmaid when I got married, giggling and excited as she had her hair styled and put on her dress, shoes and tiara and memories of her coming to see me in hospital and holding my son, Andrew after he had been born.

By contrast I have the sad painful memories of watching her become very ill and of her death and the anger and disbelief at never seeing her grow up and blossom any further. 

Lauren is greatly missed by her parents, Cath and Gary and her little brother Alex, her grandparents, aunties, uncles, cousins and all of her friends.

God Bless Lauren, our angel in heaven.

Safe In Gods Care and Keeping.

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