Very sadly I have to post that Cat lost her fight on Monday 26th September 2011, leaving behind her husband James, 6 year old son Nathaniel, and her many, many friends. Cat was foremost a wife and mother, but also a brilliant photographer and will be remembered for her breathtaking and beautiful photographs that she used to share with us on Facebook.
I met Cat here, along with several others exactly 3 years ago as we embarked on kimo (as we used to call it) together. We were all scared, battered, bruised but feisty, willing ourselves to get through the horrors ahead. We named ourselves The October Lardies and ever since that first day we all met, we became firm friends, ‘talked’ online nearly every day and kept each other going through the highs and lows. We all met for real in London just before Christmas 2009 and had a wonderful day out together, and have continued to talk online ever since about only things we could tell each other, that only we would understand.
Cat’s secondary diagnosis came about a year ago. We were only supposed to suffer the once then get well…
Cat, we all miss you so very much and will think of you every day. You’ve left a huge hole in our lives.
No words I write will make things easier so on this special wall for Cat and all the people who knew and loved her,
My heart goes out to you all… xx
RIP
Doz
Still finding this hard to believe… Cat seemed to ooze vitality and creativity. As I noted on the other thread, her blog was beautiful and inspiring. She will be greatly missed
May I pass on sincere condolences to Cat’s family and friends at this very sad time from all of us here at BCC, she will be sadly missed on the forums.
Another Lardie here, so sad since hearing about Cat on Monday. We never had the chance to meet in person, but messaged often, originally here then latterly on facebook. She was always supportive, kind, honest, funny - and as others have said a brilliant Mum, photographer and blogger, and also a passionate cook.
I didn’t know Cat but I can see from reading these posts that she was a very special lady indeed.I too have stage IV BC and am struggling with newly diagnosed spread.Cat sounded like a very witty,creative and beautiful person.I have looked at some of her photographic work on Flickr and her personality shines through in the various images including those of her precious son Nathanial.She must be a very proud Mum.
My heart goes out to all who loved Cat and may she rest in peace,bless her.
Cat said it might spook you if I used her account to send this sort of message after the event but it made her giggle!
On behalf of Nathaniel and myself, I’d like to thank you all for the kind words that we have received over the past few days. As Nathaniel told me today “As long as people remember mummy then she isn’t really dead, is she?”
I have tried to track down all her contacts but in case I have missed anyone, her memorial service will be held next Friday 7th October. The details are available at lencottage.com/cats_arrangements.pdf
Glad it made her giggle - it worked, though I quickly guessed it must be you. So glad she left you clear guidelines, I find in my line of work that it really healps families when this is the case.
Can’t be with you in body, but will hold you in my heart and prayers
So sad but tickled by the precise instructions!!!
I am thinking of you all and hoping the preparations for next Friday progress with ease…
I’m sure it will be a deeply moving celebration of Cat’s life and achievements.
Deepest love for all of Cat’s nearest and dearest.
Thank you so much for letting us share with you.
It helps us with losing such a young talented woman far far too soon.
‘Knowing’ her here was a delight. I can only imagine what she brought to your world James.
I too am one of The Lardies.
I never had the privelege of meeting Cat but we spoke on the phone and messaged often.
She was due to fly here to Turkey for my wedding a year ago but was given the devastating news that the cancer had returned.
She was a vibrant, warm person and I shall miss our “chats”.