Please share your memories & stories in the comments box. We can all take comfort from these, & will be able to revisit them for years to come.
20 responses to “Your memories, stories and tributes!”
-
I was only working a few months when Sam and I had a Moscow there and back. We worked together and hit it off straight away. We looked at our rosters and we were both on the next trip together. That’s when our friendship really began.
We shared two houses together for four years. Some great times, parties, music blaring and we had the neighbours knocking sometimes! (We said sorry with some duty free)! We got to know each other so well and helped each other through good times and bad.
Sam had this huge ability to make genuine friends and because of her we are all a close circle of friends.
I smile when I think of Sam. I could write a book about our fun and adventures we had together.
I know Emily and Evie will make their mum so proud.
Our circle of friends celebrated Sam’s life on Thursday and I had heard you had said you only wish you could have been there too, you were gutted you were missing it.
My heart is still heavy. Shine bright beautiful soul.
I guess I’ll see you next lifetime✨❤️LikeLike
-
Aunty Sam was more like an older sister, babysitting when my brother and I were little, to giving relationship and life advice through my teens to my now 40s! She always said we were too alike, that fiery light and love of life. She saw in my husband what she and Neil had and encouraged me to go for it and I was so happy she got to meet our son Johnny many times over the past couple of years. Neil, Emily and Evie will carry on your light Sam and make you proud always. I will miss you. Love ‘Our Ess’. Xx.
LikeLike
-
Sam was always buoyant whenever I saw her. Always keen to help with ideas ranging from travel, raising girls, fitness and and many other areas of a mum’s life! I can credit her to helping me fly business class once and probably the last time on my budget!
However I have share my journey with your amazing Sam and to let you know that her change in career brought about a positive change in my life. Her fun spin classes, to this day, have been my inspiration to continue to exercise at home in this way. But even more impressive was her attention to detail when teaching me pilates. She came to this late in life without any medical knowledge but was better than any physio I’d met. She cured me of 10 years of post pregnancy back pain. Not looked back since!!!
Please take comfort in knowing that she changed such a big part of my life for the better. I am grateful that I was able tell her this in her last weeks…….
Such a kind, funny, beautiful mother and wife with a huge amount of empathy for others. So glad that she had the strength to give that disease such a big fight but hope that she is now at peace.LikeLike
-
I had flown with Sam a few times but one of the first trips I truly got to know her was on a 7-day Larnaca. Sheila and Tam, who was just 14 at the time, were travelling with her. Sam ended up staying in my room so Sheila and Tam could have her room and we became fast friends. We did plenty of trips together. One memorable albeit slightly disturbing experience was during one trip to Bermuda. We were on our way back from a bar when a weirdo in a plastic mac jumped out from behind a bush and showed us what was under it. We screamed and ran away, and so did he. It didn’t stop us from going out, though. We partied and clubbed through the 90s and 2000s and made the most of life. Then I met Matt and he became great friends with Sam. When Sam met Neil, they came over to Australia and stayed for a short stint, and we all became close friends. Kids came along for all of us and they became great friends, too. In short, Sam has been like family to us for many years. We will miss her and her zest for life, her chase of the fun and the thrill, her joie de vivre, her strength in battling cancer for as long as she did and her love of a good tune and a great party. We will miss you, Sam, very much indeed.
LikeLike
-
I’ve known Samantha since she was seven and always thought of her as a ‘live wire’. Lynne and I were living and working in Singapore in the early 80’s when she visited us with her mum and dad. She must have been 12 or 13 at that time wanting to explore everything that life had to offer her.
I had just acquired a motorcycle, a Suzuki X7 250 which at the time was described as a ‘pocket rocket’ and could quite easily reach 100mph. I told her this and she immediately asked for a ride. I was rather hesitant but her mum and dad seemed ok at the prospect of their young daughter having a gentle pootle around the estate. We didn’t stay on the estate very long as Samantha insisted we go to somewhere where there were ‘long roads’! This was quite difficult in Singapore but the local Ayer Rajah Road satisfied her desire. I have strong memories of her shouting in my ear, “Go faster Uncle Leigh!” The bike did several wheelies as Samantha screamed into my neck. A mechanical pocket rocket in tune with a human pocket rocket!
I did ask her not to call me ‘Uncle’ again and she duly complied from then onwards. Another one of her many experiences chalked up!LikeLike
-
Sam and I always called each other “cuz” and she really was like a family member to me. We always had a laugh, especially when Prosecco was poured and garage music was playing!
You were always so positive and to the point. I will miss our chats and our lunch dates ❤️LikeLike
-
This is so sad, the last time I saw Sammy was while she was still living in Walton, I never made it to Leicester and I so wished I had.Sammy I am so sorr6 that I weren’t there in your had times, yes we talked…sometimes….You were a beautiful friend and I remember the first time I met you on a trip to Jamaica.Our balcony was next to each other and I heard this voice “I know this smell, who is next door?”Rasta man , we had a good trip and I loved my visits to Walton.You were so special, even my brother who only met you once and you invited us to the gym for a day , is still talking about you today.I pray your soul rests in Peace and I really hope that one day we will all meet up again.A new heaven and new earth.You left a legacy behind and I pray Neil Emily and Evie will stay strong in that legacy and make you proud.I love you my sigster
LikeLike
-
On the first day of our training course I walked into the room with feelings of fear & excitement. Sam looked up at me, smiled & tapped the seat next to her & said “Stick with me kid” & that’s exactly what I did, through thick & thin.
Sam was fearless & lived every day as an adventure. A lot of those were followed with Nurofen & Berocca’s!
I’ll never forget the time I returned from a trip to get an excited phone call from Sam saying “Daddy Dean”(aka) Phillip, had booked us a holiday on Ceefax to Corfu”.
We flew from Newcastle airport & our flight was delayed. Sam had sweet talked the ground staff into letting us leave our cases with them. So off we went into the Toon for some pre holiday cocktails.
Our hotel was in the middle of nowhere but luckily for us, there were a couple of lovely Geordie boys staying in the room next door.
Roll on a few years & a wedding & then the arrival of our beautiful daughter Gracie.
Steve & I will always be grateful for that holiday and will cherish every memory💞Gracie loves Sam & Neil but alas worships Emily & Evie. They have a very special bond & will always play a pivotal role in each other’s lives. This is a promise I made to you Sammy D & one I will keep forever & ever❤️ Xx
LikeLike
-
Sam, you were always so positive and cheerful. We will miss you. That curry will have to wait.
Tony and Esther xx
LikeLike
-
So many happy memories from all the family get togethers over the years. From your wedding to my dads 60th celebration earlier this year. Sam was always a positive and happy influence in my life and was always interested in the daft sports I would be getting up to, whilst trying to get me to drink some wheatgrass shot or something.
LikeLike
-
Many wonderful memories of Sam – when we first met at Gaddesby school gate, we very quickly realised we had so much in common, both Northern lassies, both the same age, both very busy mums with daughters the same age and great friends ! We instantly hit it off – Sam’s infectious personality and sparkling wit – we were never without a laugh!! We joked, we laughed, we drank wine after school in the summer evenings, we watched E and B’s endless gymnastics and dance routines…we supported each other and named ourselves ‘Thelma and Louise’, planning to get away for a trip some day – which we never managed sadly!! Sam was inspirational , she managed to pack so, so much in to her day, and she always did it with an open smile and a positive, mischievous wink. One of my fondest memories, that we laughed at for years to come, was at a nice dinner with Sam, Neil, James and I – James had been prepping for hours, Sam and Neil arrived , Sam and I started on very large and strong Aperol Spritz, cocktails, vodkas etc – we turned up Abba to full volume and danced till we literally dropped ! – … which hysterically was pre dinner!!! Haha typical- Sam was a force of nature- lived life at full throttle! a ball of fun, energy, enthusiasm, kindness, humour and love! She was so strong, fearless, independent and lived life on her terms!! She fought her illness over the last three years with every ounce of her being and I will forever be in awe of her! She leaves a huge gap in the lives of all who knew her but especially Neil, Emily and Evie… you three were her world and every thought and everything she did was for you x Sam, my lovely, wherever you are.. I hope you are at peace, you made your mark and then some.. you were loved…you’ll be sorely missed. You came, you conquered, you wrote the T-shirt!! Night night my dear friend, Elaine xxx
LikeLike
-
So one of my first experiences with Sam was when I saw her struggling to get Emily in the car whilst heavily pregnant with Evie. I shot out my front door and suggested she left Emily with me so she could go. She was late and I think she was grateful though a little unsure as we didn’t know each very well at this point!
When she returned I opened my fro t door and said the boys had played beautifully with Emily and they’d had a ball. Enter Harry (who was two years older than Emily) at the top of the stairs “Emily now you bend over and we can look up your bottom next” doctors and nurses I frantically told Sam…….her face was a picture and she promptly left!! I felt horrific but we became friends and laughed about it subsequently 😂🤣
Never have I wanted the ground to open up as I did that day!!
Sam was one of life’s troopers and I will always think so fondly of the times I had with her 🥰 and you Neil (plus the girls) I am flying to Qatar for a week tomorrow so sadly won’t be able to attend the funeral but I shall light a candle on Thursday and have a drink 🍹 Sam would have liked that! 😂 🥰😘 xx -
Darling Sam. Omg a little star has lite up the sky tonight.. so many funny amazing memories of our Weybridge days with the girls. 90s where so much fun. Flying and being so naughty without iPhones. 🤪🤪🤪🤪. My heart hurts
LikeLike
-
Not sure where to even start as I’ve got so many stories I can’t possibly recall them all, and some are simply unrepeatable!!
We first met in Terminal 1 and were instant friends.. we travelled the world having the most fun ever, getting into very dodgy situations but always laughing our way through it all.
We looked for fun everywhere we went and always found it. Sam was the most energetic, fun loving, inspirational, encouraging, cheeky, vivacious person I’ve known. She knew no limits, she was up for anything, she was amazing. She was a huge part of my life and I will always smile the biggest smile whenever I think of her. I was very lucky to have in my life. Deano is a legend and will never be forgotten ❤️LikeLike
-
Not long before she died, Sam and I laughed about this memory…
Somewhere in the region of a decade ago I think, we met up at the village park with a bag of mini wine bottles, like pseudo-teenagers. We talked and drank and laughed together and had the most wonderful time. Two of our friends, Tim & Rachael, walked by and joined us for a while, before inviting us back to their house and the flaming sambucas came out. In her excitement and enthusiasm, Sam made a full and flowing gesture with her hand, knocking the drinks across their kitchen table. Fiery sambuca spread across the surface, turning it into the furniture equivalent of a flickering blue Christmas pudding. The panic that ensued was hilarious and I am certain that in an attempt to put out the fire and clear it all up, Sam and I likely made it a little worse! Reliving this memory with Sam was a frequent and happy occurrence.
I will miss making more of these memories and I already miss beautiful Sam enormously. I will continue to be there for Neil, Emily and Evie when they need me and I thank them hugely for allowing me to be such a close part of their lives. It’s an absolute privilege. xx
LikeLike
-
I didn’t know Sam, but I’ve heard about your wife’s illness for a long time. She must have been a lovely lady because she chose you Neil, and I’m sure you’ve been a wonderful partner and loving father through her battles.
My heart goes out to you and your family.
Michele xxxLikeLike
-
The second we met- there was a mutual feeling- ‘ooh we are going to be friends!!’ And wow- through ups and downs we really were.
‘Sorry, I don’t have a filter anymore’ something I’ll never forget- how we laughed! Through tough times, Sam still managed to make me belly laugh, such a wicked sense of humour.
I’m heartbroken that she is no longer here, but part of me is grateful that there is no more suffering. Truly the bravest person I know- my hero! I told her that often.
I cannot thank Sam enough for her unwavering support through my own battle- she held my hand through every step, asked after me every day, and again, somehow managed to make me laugh when all I wanted to do was curl up in a ball and cry! I relied on her so heavily, and even though she was going through more than most could cope with- she was there for me- my cheerleader and agony aunt! This cancer messed with the wrong people we used to say- and my god we meant it… she really did give it everything she had, and I’ll forever be blown away by her strength (or was it stubbornness!! Ha!!)Girls- I know this is tough. Your mum bloody loved you!! Through all the hardest days- it was you that kept her strong. You should be so proud- and I know you will both go on to always make her proud too.
That’s how I will always remember Sam- the kindest soul, with the most wicked sense of humour! My friend- I’ll miss you always, but think of you every time i look at my bracelet 💞 Thank you for everything xxx
LikeLike
-
my sam bells as she used to call me tilly bells! miss the days of giggling and working out and catching up over everything! the beautiful smile would great me every time i saw her and she was the most beautiful person inside and out!! will be missed greatly!
LikeLike
-
Super stylish, the northern drawl, jet setting, amazing travel stories, in “beast mode” putting us through our paces at stapleford in class, teaching us the “cucumber” song (girls I am sure you’ve heard this one). Great fun, “go and get em”, feisty, fabulous. Memories of a wonderful lady. Our hearts break for you and thoughts and love are with you through this time ❤️
LikeLike
-
I remember heading up to the Peak District with Sam one fine, sunny day. We climbed Kinder Scout and had a day of spectacular views and laughter. After a long haul on the hill, we came down to Edale and over-celebrated in the pub. The 1-mile walk back to the YHA we were staying in, was harder than it should have been, so we thumbed a lift from a passing farmer and travelled across the fields back to the hostel on the back of a quad bike.
This memory will never fail to bring a broad grin to my face ❤️
LikeLike
Celebrating Sam 
Leave a comment