Tribute from service: In 2001 Mum and I took a week off to complete a circuit of the Lake District. We walked together all day over the fells, spent the evenings in pubs, and shared twin rooms in B&Bs. By the end we were both totally shattered. In the build-up to the holiday mum had spent a month walking to work every day from her home in Ipswich to OOCL out near Felixstowe. She showed the same dogged determination to get fit after her operation by walking continuously and everywhere. I am extremely proud of her strength of mind to overcome all that was put in her way. In late 2010 we completed the Gipping Way together, which had been a target of mum's for many years. When I suggested it she told me that it would probably be her last chance, and that is sadly how it turned out. Mum completed the full 17 miles despite still recovering from illness, and we struggled together up the final hill to the house together. My final lesson from Mum was given over the last month as she showed me how to approach death fearlessly, with humour and immense dignity. I am very proud and fortunate to have had her as my mother. If I can complete my life with half as much resolve, humour and compassion, I will have done well.