Stories
These pages are for people who'd like to share some of these special memories with the world. Let's create a collection of words and pictures which show how amazing dead ordinary people are.
Read the stories of others below, or share your own fond memories and anecdotes here.
Christopher 'Cookie' Coutts
Chris was only 17 when he was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, he waited another two weeks before starting treatment so as he could sign up to the clinical trial as he had to be 18 to give his consent. He was always so optimistic about the outcomes of treatments, he got the news that after 6 months of chemo the cancer had gone, only to have it return within 3 months! The steroid based treatment had damaged his hip bones and therefore he found it very difficult to walk, he restarted chemo with the view to stem cell transplant, for which his brother was a perfect match. However after a year of fighting and becoming disabled through his treatments we were told there was little hope for him. We of course refused to give up and took Chris to the Christie in Manchester for a second opinion, this is where we discovered 'vein finders' a wonderful piece of kit that is about the size of a TV remote control that shines infrared light onto the skin and highlights the veins under the skins surface. This was amazing for Chris as his veins had become 'woody' after all the chemo and he would become exceedingly stressed when he had to undergo IV procedures. We lost Chris on 3rd June 2013 at the age of 19, and didn't want his loss to be for nothing so we set about starting up a charity named The Cookie Jar Foundation. We have had amazing support in our local community and have funded 12 vein finders into local hospitals, given funding to individuals who are in need, donated funds to the Maggie's Young Person's Group in Edinburgh, and have now been approached by the Sick Kids Friends Foundation to help them raise funds for 7 projects within the new build Royal Sick Children Hospital in Edinburgh.
Sidney
Sidney was born not long after Queen Victoria died and he in turn died around the time the internet and mobile phones were starting to take hold. In the 60s you could have seen his work as a Fleet Street etcher in national newspapers. And during Britain’s darkest hour he was down at the London docks fighting the fires as the Luftwaffe’s bombs rained down around him. But to me he was Grandpa.
Ashley-Jada
You taught me so much, and convinced me I have what it takes to be a Mother. You life was significant and you are not forgotten. RIP sweet girl.
My father in law
My father in law died a few years ago. He always had time to listen and only offered advice if it was asked for. He didn't take sides but had clear ideas of what he thought and felt about things.
Philip Cassidy
Philip was born in Glasgow in 1934 and lived in the Gorbals until World War Two meant that he, his two brothers and mother were evacuated to Ayrshire. He grew up in Ayrshire and at school met his future wife Patsy. A love that would last a lifetime. In 1960 they welcomed their daughter Jacqueline into their family. Philip believed in the value of hard work and often had several jobs including a miner, a milkman, a gardener and many in between. He loved recalling these stories of cycling miles at night to work in the pit and then cycling back into Ayr and going to mow someone's lawn. He loved people, talking to people and hearing their stories. When I was born in 1980, his only grandchild I was lucky to have him all to myself. At a time when he was still in his late 40's and early 50's he was an ever present, loving and above all active force in my life.
My grandfather
My grandfather’s body wanted to forget about its missing left lung. Alzheimer’s! Perfect. His transition from a hard-ass, selfish, son of a sharecropper to a crybaby, manipulative, hoarder of frozen food did
Glenn
My friend, Glenn died of lymphoma over 20 years ago, when he was in his thirties. We were flatmates for a long time. He was a talented theatre designer and spent many hours sitting at the kitchen table listening to Radio 4 and building models of theatre sets with handmade miniature furniture or scenery.
Gran
My gran was always on my side. She was straight talking but kind with it. I felt she understood me like no other member of my family she would listen and not judge and allow me to cry if that what I needed.
Marion Sandalls
My lovely Mum Marion died on 6th March 2013 aged 65... known as Mazza to most, and Mazza the Mercilous to my brothers friends... she was a force to behold :)
rachel smith
My gran and I lived together for 30 years. She took me in after my mam died when I was 13 years old. In that time we traveled abroad on her 75th birthday. It was the first time we had been abroad as we always went to Scotland. On the plane to Greece my gran was looking out of the window and couldn't understand why lights were flashing on the wings of the plane. She eventually realized it was to alert others of our wheareabouts because it was dark outside. We used to go to Lanzarote or Greece. Last holiday we had abroad gran was 89. We looked through a cave where blind crabs lived. My gran used to like to cook and bake at weekends. I will always remember her Sunday lunches. After lunch we went to the coast or town. Later in her life we used to go to the Poacher's Pocket once a week for lunch. I will never forget the love and care my gran gave me. She died at the age of 92. I was glad to be with her when she died. I will always love and miss her. Rest in peace gran love from carole
Gerard and Roisin
My precious angel Roisin you were taken so young only 6 months old ,you were so poorly ,but I remember holding you and loving you . Gerard ,my darling boy, you fought so hard to be with us ,17 wonderful years ,even although you could be so poorly .We have so many wonderful memories, your smile that could light up the darkest room ,your unconditional love , poor old honker your favourite toy ,thrown all over the place ,but we'll loved . When I left you for a second to get something from the kitchen ,when I came back the vase of flowers knocked over and you covered in white petals ,with a look of surprise as you tried to pick them off your face .The love and joy you brought to the whole family especially your big sister ,as soon as she came through the door your face lit up . You touched so many life's Gerard ,anyone who met you ,instantly fell in love with you .You are remembered with so much love and affection by so many people .We love and miss you so much ,we are truly blessed to have been chosen as your family . Gerard and Roisin ,until we meet again ,we will hold you both in our heart's forever xxx
Connie - my mum
I lost my mum when I was pregnant with my daughter Chelsea at 28 years old...she had battled cancer and eventually lost her fight when she was 65 years old.
Tipi Jim
Jim was a larger than life character who stood as tall and as straight as an oak but with the flexibility of a willow, bending but not braking in the wind or storm.
A poem for ..My Beloved Dad Bob Ross on his first birthday since he left us.
Happy Birthday Dad
Robert Miller
This is in memory of my uncle without his love, support and guidance I wont not have grown up knowing what true dedication to someone is. My mother was unmarried and I was brought up by her my three uncle and an aunt. My Uncle Robert was my strength, my role model and my rock. The real gift he gave me was his unconditional love.
Kelly Bishop
When working at Rachel House Children's Hospice I met lots of wonderful young people but one chose to become my friend and she always made me smile... how lucky I was to know her. Hoping we meet up on the other side.
John Elliot
When I think of John Elliot, what I remember most is his joie de vivre, his complete and total immersion in life. Johnny spent much of his life as a miner, but when the mines closed, Johnny turned his face to the sky and never looked down again. He was never happier than when he was out on his bike, out on his kayak, away fishing or enjoying his caravan. Johnny was a well read man and loved to learn the why and wherefore of the parts of life that pleased or puzzled him.
Philip Rogers, my husband
My husband lived an extraordinary life before I met him - and then we had quite an adventurous time together too! He died nearly 4 years ago, 3 days after his 66th birthday, of stomach cancer.
Granville Shuttleworth
He was my dad and I adored him. Sadly lost his fight with cancer last year. A real gentleman and an inspiration to all of his family. Invented anti static tiles for hospitals, great fisherman and wonderful dad, grandad and great grandad. Never forgotten and always loved x
My Gran
My Gran and I had a relationship which not only spanned decades, but changed with them. During the first, she was a doting maternal Gran, first choice when a babysitter was needed, faithful attender of school shows and avid reader of school reports.
Brogan with Young
My beautiful daughter Brogane was diagnosed with leukaemia at 3 months after 9 months of hard hard fighting & we had totally amazing unforgettable times together she sadly passed away. Her little spirit in life was infectious she was loved & adored by all that met her always had a smile no matter how tough it got for her a true inspiration to me & I am proud to say I was the lucky one to be called her mother. Not a day goes by I don't think of Brogane of course it's difficult but that's love & no matter what happens in life nothing can change that or take away the memories stored within my heart!
Aileen
I wrote this memory as I waited to say goodbye to a dear inspirational lady. Aileen was unique and a fabulous role model. Aileen started her married life in Kenya, how exciting that must have been. She was one of the first women I knew who had a career, a profession and a family. She had her own car and drove her children with friends included off on adventures at a moments notice. She gave so much to the young people of our small community. With her gang of 5 contemporaries they restarted the local tennis club. Showing us the joy of tennis. The friendships formed and skills learned from this time have served us well into our adult life. Aileen had a great sense of fun and enjoyed planning games for us all to join in. No tennis, let's play rounders, club needs money, let's have a jumble sale, bonfire nights, the list goes on. She was keen for young club members to be on the club committee, where our opinion mattered. We learned to plan, negotiate and be respectful at a young age.
Margaret Ann Turner (née Kelly)
Make do and Mend
Erin
After a complicated pregnancy, Erin was born by c-section on 28th June 2000; My Millenium Baby.
My Inspirational Friend Maureen
We were friends for over 40 years dating back to university where we were often told to stop chatting in lectures but where she gained distinction in English. She was my bridesmaid and good friend thereafter. She taught primary school supporting pupils with learning difficulties.
Heather 'Hever' Sloan
My beautiful daughter Heather was born on 21st November 1989 and died 25th October 2008. She was a vibrant popular girl with a larger than life mischievous personality. Heather was the youngest of 4 and she was the happiest most fun loving girl you'd ever meet. She was by no means an angel and I used to despair at times at the mischief she got up too. If I could bottle her personality and sell it I'd have been a millionaire. Sadly Heather was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2006 and a year later told she only had weeks to live - well in Heathers true tenacious style she said she wasn't ready to die at aged 17 and wanted to have an 18th birthday party! Well not only did she get her 18th birthday but she fought on for almost another year and died 4 weeks before her 19th birthday. Heathers death left a gaping hole in our family and we miss her terribly. Before she died she said she didn't want to be forgotten - that would never happen and as long as I have a breath in my body her memory will never die - â¤ï¸
The 47 people who lost their lives on streets of Glasgow
Forty Seven pairs of shoes
