In October 2022, Diane was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She was admitted to University College London Hospital, where she was treated with chemotherapy. Diane suffered badly from the side-effects of the treatment, and unfortunately became bed-bound and a full-time inpatient which meant that she was unable to come home for Christmas, and unfortunately, she ended up getting Covid over the New Year.

Eventually by February 2023 she became well enough to be transferred to Potters Bar Community Hospital, and eventually she was able to visit home, and then stay at home later that month, to much celebration.

In April 2023, after a review of her progress, the doctors discovered that the cancer had not been affected by the treatment, and that there was nothing left that could be done. Diane set two goals for what she wanted to achieve in the time she had left; to get married and to watch Tomas’ Graduation.

She achieved the first of these goals in May, when she and Richard got married at the Woodman Inn, surrounded by friends, family, good food and most importantly, good weather. She was unable to stay for the whole event, but she got to listen to speeches from her comfortable bed, where everyone was able to hear her laugh, cry and, at times, add her own comments.

In June, she went to Barnet Hospital for a routine appointment, but after a series of complications she yet again became a hospital inpatient. The hospital realised that she was starting her final decline, and she was eventually moved to the Isabel Hospice, in Welwyn Garden City.

At Isabel the treatment and care she received was phenomenal. The staff were able to perfectly deal with her pain, make her comfortable, and to adjust her medication to reduce the side effects, all with a smile on their faces.
One highlight of her stay at Isabel was the long line of visitors, she’d had visitors throughout but when she was at Isabel it became so hectic Richard and Tomas had a difficult job of scheduling them all in, while leaving room for themselves and for Diane to rest!

Having visitors had such a huge impact on Diane, they cheered her up so much, and she received so many flowers we nearly ran out of places to put them.

She achieved the second of her goals in mid-July, watching the livestream of Tomas’ Graduation on the TV in her room, set up by the nurses, who even printed off photos of the event to hang up in her room.

Diane fought until the very end, but finally passed on Tuesday the 25th of July, peacefully in her sleep.