CC Day 17 – Guest Post by Brian Russell

Monica Russell, BCAv

February 16th 2016 marks the day that my friend, lover and wife departed this world for her next life, the life she was guaranteed with God as a born again Christian. Understandably she didn’t want to leave me and her many friends, daughters and relatives and fought bravely for 19 months before succumbing to this dreadful and rare cancer.

Monica always was immaculately dressed and just weeks before she passed away was shopping and getting her nails done. Her dedicated voluntary work for our native wildlife with a local rescue charity was recognised by a British Citizen Award presented to her at The Palace of Westminster in July 2015 (one of just 30 people throughout the country) and she could proudly add the initials BCAv after her name.

We met each other when we were at school many years ago and remained close friends throughout various marriages, somehow we knew we would end up together and as we predicted, married in 2008. Monica called our wedding “the icing on the cake” and I had to agree with her. I feel extremely honoured to have known and shared so much with her. The music we had our first dance to at our wedding was “After all” sung by Cher and Peter Cetera, the words of the song echo our journey and our destination through life. I will truly miss this wonderful lady who made my life complete.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEwXkeLuemQ
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/AMMF-Charity3

Monica after receiving her award in London