It is with great sadness, that I have to announce that our dear friend Elaine passed away peacefully at home this morning- 25th March.
I have had the privilege of knowing Elaine since November 2008 when she became my patient , but quickly she became a valued friend. Her trips to the clinic were always eagerly anticipated – yes to see her and give her a hug but also to look forward to the large amount of Kit Kat; chocolate rolls and biscuits she would bring and I really had to explain to the staff that really she did not need to comeback every month for review !!!!
She was always interested in everyone and was unbelievably generous in cards and gifts be it birthdays or Xmas or births – she was always there. We became particularly close when I bred pigs and would regularly look to get pork and sausages for family and friends !!
Face up Cymru – the Head and Neck cancer charity has so benefited from her support. Be it fund raising in skittles or shaking a donation tin in M& S when we did our sponsored bike ride, she was a great supporter and her and her friend Chris would always be there to support us to help everyone. It is a great pity that this ethic is not present in a lot of people.
The charity has gone through some tough times, with individuals having different agendas but Elaine was always rock solid in her total support and for that I/ we are eternally grateful.
Over the last 3 years , when she became aware the cancer had recurred, she approached this in her normal accepting manner. What to be is to be. She bore all her problems superbly. Eating was a problem but it never got on top of her- she could always drink through her straw!!
She remains a model for us all to look up to.
Elaine Palfrey was first a patient I treated in 2008 but became a dear close friend and will always remain one of my closest friends who I will miss enormously. My thoughts are with Roy her husband and Chris her closest friend.
Take care and I miss you
Mike Fardy
xxxxx