Gillian Blackwell (11 Jul 1959 - 16 Apr 2024)

The first time I met Gill she had just been brought on to Lawrence ward my mum was opposite gill in bay 5. Gill and my mum hit it off straight away and before you knew it they became good friends supporting each other through their cancer journey calling the buzzer for hot chocolate to be delivered either my the nurses or sending mick out to get it. When gill got out of hospital she would always stay in contact with my mum and one time when gill returned she went to a different ward gill confided in my mum but always said get me off this ward and back on Lawrence mum did just that and they became neighbours again either one room down or one room up . Gill became a family friend for life coffee at dobbies calls to tell us how she was doing and how she missed my mum when she passed but I’m sure she is reunited with her family and catching up with my mum . A truly beautiful kind caring lady that will be so missed rest in peace beautiful.

I will love and miss you always night night sweetie Julie xx

The best bit about a Saturday night when we were at the Rainham Mark Social Club with family and friends as youngsters was going down to the chip shop getting a bag of chips with crackling on top. (the rubbish bits of left over batter)-heaven !

My darling Gill remember when we mmet aged 7 we were given "a very important job" this was in the summer holidays where our mums worked in a school kitchen. It was to fill up the salt and pepper pots which we were given a teaspoon to achieve. The salt was easy but when it came to the pepper all hell let loose we were sneezing, laughing and just making a mess Iam nt sure if they got much pepper in their pots that year because most of it went on the floor ! In the words of Gerry Marsden "you'll never walk alone".Night Night my dearest friend till we meet again. Julie xxx

Miss you lots, a very dear friend. At peace now, good night, God bless.

This picture is julie and Gill dancing at lisa's wedding

I was lucky enough to have Gill in my life for as long as I can remember. She was there for me through the happiest of times, and the very worst. We always called each other sister, and my children knew her and Mick as auntie and uncle. I’m so glad the pain and fear has now gone, and she is at rest again. I loved her so much and miss her even more. Good night Gill, sweet dreams sis x

To our dear friend, you will be sorely missed. ❤️

A very special and brave lady. You will be greatly missed by all of us. Xxx