Many eulogies for mothers will surely begin the same way – with a recognition that this mother was the best of all mothers to have ever walked the earth. But anyone who knew Mum would agree with me. Hazel was born in 1939, joining her three brothers and five sisters at the family home in Hinton Avenue, Hereford. She lost her own father the following year and was inspired by the example her own mother gave in coping with adversity, as she struggled to raise eight children on a small army pension. Hazel’s early battles with tuberculosis saw her resident at a residential nursing facility for many months at a time - but her friendly character and determination saw her not only pass her grammar school entrance exams (using mirrors) but also receive the Girl Guides “Fortitude” medal. The impact Mum made on the people around her was infectious - and on hearing her story, a local businessman bought her a bike so she could get to her new school. Mum was naturally modest and humble and did not see her achievements as anything “special”. When she spoke of them at all it was to admire her own mother’s example again, for the long and difficult journeys she regularly made to visit Hazel in hospital. Mum had a lovely, loving character. She had a warm, loving smile that she shared with friends, family, complete strangers, small children and animals in equal measure. Looking through the pictures we have of her, so many capture her wonderful smile – and many showing her mischievous, knowing looks that went alongside: always loving and always special. She found friends wherever she went throughout her life: people were drawn to her character and warmth, her generosity and openness, her interest in them and her happy nature. Mum’s life was not without challenges, but to me it was filled with love and laughter. I remember – as a child - watching Mum cook and just chatting with her as she did so. She would tell me stories of her life and those of her much-loved brothers and sister – stories I heard again when they came to visit us. And those she loved really knew it: unconditionally, demonstrated in so many different ways. We have so many happy memories of holidays, walks in the countryside, visits to gardens, houses and family – just walking and chatting but often doing something daft: carrying Mum on crossed arms or a stick; climbing a fence, a tree, a rock – she was up for pretty much everything. We could race her on a beach, go horse-riding, roll down the banks at Hereford Castle green (before having a doughnut or Chelsea bun). And all this carried through to her relationship with her grandchildren – Amy, Tom and James. She would join in making mud pies in make-believe outdoor kitchens; play football, cricket, basketball, table-tennis (no prisoners). She would climb into the tree house; tie the rope around the crate to make it a car - just engage and have fun. I will remember the times at The Steppes – and on our holidays – with most affection and love. Mum used to love having family come round – either to stay or just to visit for a card game, a chat, a walk in the garden, a meal – or all of these. She loved company and always made space for others – always put others at the centre of her attention and focus. Her love of our father was a main part of her life: fifty years of marriage is a rare thing indeed and Mum cherished it – the twenty-five years spent in retirement another blessing. She would not have wanted her later years to be spent without him – or in a residential care home – but she adapted to it and unsurprisingly became a friend to all. Many’s the time on visiting Carey Lodge when people would come over to say hello to Mum and ask after her – she just brought out the best in people. It was a privilege to see so much of Mum over her last few years - and we all cherished our time with her. She loved visiting the gardens at Ascot or sitting in the garden at The Heath; visiting cafés for tea and cake; out for a walk along the canal to pat the dogs - or to a supermarket to pat the small children of parents who couldn’t refuse a few moments of time to this kindly lady. It is these memories and so many more like them that mean that Mum will always be with me and all who knew her: with love, affection and a smile.