Josie had a stem cell transplant in 2024, and despite the transplant being an initial success, she contracted Covid-19 and sadly passed away a few months after her transplant. Over £35K has since been raised in loving memory of Josie. Her family reflect on the incredible legacy they have made for her, and how much she’s inspired her family and friends.
Everyone that met her always thought she was the most unique and amazing person they’d ever met. Mum was so selfless in everything she ever did. We are so proud of what she achieved in life, and how she has impacted so many people with her love, kindness, gentleness, and her ability to listen.
At the time of the funeral, a lot of people were wanting to send flowers, and we'd said instead of giving flowers, people could make a donation to Anthony Nolan, which was an important charity to mum. We though that maybe a longer lasting memory would come from setting up her tribute page, but we didn’t anticipate how much was going to be donated. We thought if we get £1,000 we’d be delighted.
It’s inspiring to see the effect that Josie had on people, saying that they want to do something for her, and this is what’s driving them. The legacy of Josie is truly remarkable to us, and who she has made such impressions on. She went through her life everyday just wanting to help everybody and anybody.
After she passed, that really inspired us as a family and beyond to do the same. Mum inspired us to go above and beyond for Anthony Nolan. Her goal was to do a walk to raise funds for Anthony Nolan, but she never got the chance. We always say “What would Josie say? What would Josie do?”. She would be doing the same, and so her friends and family really have rallied around.
It’s inspiring to see the effect that Josie had on people, saying that they want to do something for Josie, and this is what’s driving them. We go through waves of sadness and pain, but this is brief compared to the joy that we feel knowing that as more and more money gets raised, the more people this will help, and the more lives this could save.
If you would like to build a legacy for a loved one, you can find out more about creating a tribute page.
We also have information, stories and support for bereavement.