Maia was a wonderful daughter and sister who lived and loved life.
But Maia did so much more. She contracted breast cancer aged 30 and fought back to make the most of every day, using her experience and her skills to help others in similar situations. She made hats and blankets for the baby unit at Broomfield. She raised funds for Helen Rollason in Hatfield Peverel, a charity which had helped her, and ran a craft group for sufferers and survivors. She filled shoe boxes with small gifts for children less fortunate than her own and took presents for the children in hospital at Christmas. She made some of the poppies used at the Moot Hall for Remembrance Sunday. She was part of a number of groups, supporting women following a mastectomy, parents of children born early, or with cerebral palsy. In fact, anyone who needed help, or just a kind word, or a willing listener.
And that love is Maia’s legacy. Maia loved and is loved. Love always lives on, along with memories.
This tree represents love. Her love for us and ours for her. It is strong, beautiful and will live for many, many years to come. It will provide shelter and shade, a quiet green place for thought, a permanent ear for whispered cares, ideas, hopes and secrets.
It stands as a reminder of love, given and shared, without end.
We shared the same sense of humour and often found ourselves laughing, together, uncontrollably, even in the darkest of times. Some of my happiest memories with Maia, are of us laughing together about something so silly. Like the time she accidentally ordered 20 screen cleaning sprays instead of 1 and had a big box of them arrive.
The people you love cannot be erased, replaced or forgotten. When we love unconditionally, that matters more than anything, and helps us to overcome fears and obstacles.
Some photos from our lives with Maia x
A Tattoo to Save your Life
