Paula Leathard (16 Mar 1966 - 25 Jul 2020)

Birthday thoughts and happy memories of my lovely friend 💕

Laura, John and I would like to thank everyone who attended Paula’s funeral service and life celebration on Friday. Although we didn’t really need any proof, the love that family and friends felt for Paula was there to see in abundance. Lots of tears, but plenty of smiles too, as we heard her all too short life story.

From day one , on receiving the diagnosis , she refused to say “why me?” . In fact, she would say “why not me? Why should I be special?” . There was always someone there in the chemo ward who she thought had been dealt a much worse hand than her. Someone younger, someone who ‘looked worse than she felt’. We started off the journey knowing there was no cure, but hopeful that the treatments she was receiving would slow down progression. Sadly, through five different chemo and two radiotherapy regimens, nothing did the trick. The best news we ever heard was “there’s a little bit further growth”.

People have been very generous with their donations to Cancer Research UK. It was never really meant to be a fund raising event, but I’m sure they’ll be absolutely delighted to receive over one thousand pounds in the current economic climate. Hopefully it inches forward that day when no one has to fear hearing those dreadful words, “you have cancer”.

So many “what ifs” running through my head when I go to sleep at night and wake up in the morning. What if this had never happened to you and we’d had longer together, what would we be doing now? What if we’d met earlier in our lives? I know our lives would have been totally different, but all the better for it. Shortly after we met you told me you had lost the love of your life and I had a lot to live up to. I’d like to think you were mistaken, you didn’t realise it, but you had just met him. I know I struck gold when I met you, and consider myself incredibly lucky to have been in your life and be called your husband.

For my girl, for my beautiful wife Paula, love you now and forever.

Your Ron xxx

ILYPL

Fond cousin childhood memories Paula , RIP beautiful lady x

Great friend and passionate nurse

Remembering my beautiful friend Paula xxx

A beautiful flower lent not given.
Happy childhood memories Paula
Your cousins
Jacqueline John and Steven

To my dearest friend Paula , over the 35 years we’ve shared many memories together most of all your infectious laugh and caring nature . I’ve been blessed to call you my dear friend . Always in my thoughts and prayers .

In memory of a lovely next door neighbour
We will miss you Paula

To Ron and family. So sorry for your loss of such a beautiful girl. Love Dave and Susie xx

Sending lots of love to you all at this sad time. Bev, Neil, Sam and Olivia

Will remember Paula as a lovely girl with a great sense of humour. My thoughts are with all of her family x

Paula my kind, generous and caring sister who was both strong and brave. You were always there for others and I’ll miss our special times together.

Paula my kind, generous and caring sister who was both strong and brave. You were always there for others and I’ll miss our special times together.

Lovely Paula, beautiful inside and out. An honour to have been your friend. Rest in peace xx

With deepest sympathy,

Jacobs Newcastle

Thinking of you all at this sad time. With love from Sam, Steven, Owen & Harry xx

Thinking of you all at this sad time. With love from Sam, Steven, Owen & Harry xx

So sorry to hear the news of Paula's passing. She was a lovely girl with a wicked sense of humour. Thinking of all her family at this very sad time.

Rest in Peace Paula, you will be sadly missed x

Although we never met, Paula, we heard lots about you from Ron, and are well aware of how happy you made him and how happy you were together. May you rest in peace.
God Bless. Stephen and Janice O'Brien xxx

In Memory of Paula, a beautiful lady. We will always remember & miss you. Rest in Peace x

Deeply saddened by the news of Paula’s passing. Thoughts and prayers are with you all Ron and Family. X

Paula my kind and considerate daughter who was taken from us to early.