Vanessa Smith (11 Sep 1971 - 5 Jun 2018)

In loving memory of Vanessa (Ness) Smith who sadly passed away on 5th June 2018. Ness was above all a loving Mum to her beautiful children, Callum and Ava, the precious first born to her Mum and Dad (Lesley & Jeff), the ‘other half’ to her first love Steve and ‘Big Sis’ to Bev. She was loved by so many and has left a hole in the lives of all her family and friends.

In December 2016 Ness was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC). She underwent a Lumpectomy followed by gruelling sessions of Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy. Although it was tough at times, she never stopped fighting. She amazed us with her inner strength and the ability to continue smiling and singing throughout! On the 31st March 2018, Vanessa was given the ‘all clear’, and at which point she celebrated true Nessa style.

Sadly, within a few weeks she began to complain of back aches. Her doctors put this down to the nature of her job, caring for the elderly, a job which she loved and would often tell us stories of her ‘friends’ that she was looking after. After a few short weeks of trying to deal with the pains, tests were completed and we received the devastating news that the Cancer had returned to her bones and lungs. Unfortunately, her Secondary TNBC was extremely aggressive, and despite her continued fight, Ness sadly passed away on the 5th June 2018, peacefully with her family and loved ones by her side.

Vanessa’s wishes were to have no flowers but donations to be made to The Shine Bright Foundation, a charity which helps raise funds into the research of Triple Negative Breast Cancer.

Donations can be made via: https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/beverleyraymond1 which can just be copied and pasted into the web address search bar or alternatively can be sent directly to the funeral directors.