Charlotte Rapson 'Lottie' (Passed away 15 Dec 2021)

We always knew we had only borrowed our amazing Lottie for a short time and with a very heavy heart, on Wednesday 15th December, 2021 we had to give her back.

She was given to Anne and I on a Wednesday night in January 1994 and completely changed our lives. She spent most of the next 10,207 days frightening the hell out of us with that huge smile on her beautiful face. She taught us so many things … to focus on what you can do rather than worry about what you can’t, to see the good in everyone, to make the most of every day and never walk past an opportunity to do something mad!! We are so proud to have been her Mum & Dad and we know she touched many other people on her short journey.

She loved her brothers Luke & George fiercely, was an expert at spoiling her nephews, nieces and Godchildren, was a friend to many and an inspiration to more than we ever knew.

It will take us all time to recover from this but we won’t let day 10,207 be the lasting memory of our girl. We have an overwhelming choice of best bits to pick from and we hope you do too.

As Christmas was Lottie’s favourite time of the year, she would want people to be together as planned - not separated by lockdowns or having to isolate from their loved ones. So to avoid any risks, we will be holding a private family funeral on Thursday.

We know that many of you would have liked to say goodbye but we will be leaving from her house in Brickley Lane at 16.00 on Thursday 23rd December and driving via St Johns Street and the Marketplace if you would like to pay your respects along the way.

Lottie always loved tan lines and a music festival so we can’t think of a better way to celebrate her life but to hold “LottieFEST” on a lovely sunny day in Spring 2022. More details will follow but we very much hope that you will then all be able to join us to celebrate her life in style.

Finally, we have been overwhelmed by the hundreds of lovely messages, cards, flowers and calls we have received from all corners of the globe. We always knew that she was special but she clearly touched many more lives that we could have imagined and we will be ever grateful for your support at this time.

James, Anne, Luke & George