Charlotte Louise Conlon - Age: 32

Died 21st May 2016 Age 32

Charlotte was the eldest of our three daughters. A calm happy child with a sunny disposition who always took everything in her stride. She completed her schooling and after attending Manchester University became a dedicated deputy head teacher. She loved her job and lived her life to the full, with interests as wide ranging as Formula 1, playing the guitar and cruising.

She lived a healthy lifestyle and had none of the known risk factors for cholangiocarcinoma. After experiencing some minor intermittent pain for a couple of months, she visited the GP in March 2016, who referred her for scans and to a consultant. Both were convinced it was unlikely to be anything serious, however a further scan revealed the devastating news that she had a tumour in her liver which, subsequently was diagnosed as intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. At this stage, it was operable and plans were put in place for chemotherapy followed by liver resection. She faced her illness with inspirational courage and strength, but sadly it was soon discovered that the cancer was too aggressive for treatment. She died 2 days later, less than 6 weeks after being diagnosed.

Charlotte was an inspiration to all who knew and loved her. She always strived to do her best for family and friends and was respected and loved by her colleagues and pupils. We all miss her so much, but her light shines on. Her corneas were donated for corneal transplant to restore the sight of two young women, a wonderful irony as without her contact lenses Charlotte was as blind as a bat! Her school have purchased a minibus with money she left them and named it in her honour, something which would have made her extremely proud. So many hearts broken and so many tears cried, but this our feelings are summed up by this poem:

You can shed tears that she is gone
Or you smile because she has lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back
Or you open your eyes and see all that she has left.
Your heart can be empty because you can't see her
Or you can be full of the love that you shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember her and only that she is gone
Or you can cherish her memory and let it live on.
You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn back
Or you can do what she would want: smile, open your eyes,
love and go on.

D. Harkin

Dennis and Amanda Conlon