Simon Rutt

[p]It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Heidi McNeill, who left us in the early hours of this morning surrounded by her loved ones.[/p][p]Heidi was a loving partner, mother, sister, friend and colleague and will be deeply missed by many. [/p][p]Heidi’s final wish was to take part in Pedal for Pounds this Sunday 18th October, a ride which her partner Simon and their family will now do in her memory.[/p][p]Simon has asked us to share a few words:[/p][p]“I feel like I’m missing my heartbeat. Heidi was such an inspiration and a true fighter, setting herself an incredible goal at the end of her life that was just out of her reach. We promised we would achieve her final wish and that is what we will do. We know she’ll be looking down on us with a big smile. Thank you to everyone who has supported us so far, we’re overwhelmed by your kindness. This one’s for you Heidi. “[/p][p]We will be holding a minute silence for Heidi this Sunday morning, before Simon and his rickshaw team start their ride. [/p][p]-[/p][p]This weekend, Heidi McNeill celebrated Christmas Day with her close family. Just like any other Christmas Day, they exchanged gifts, had a glass or two of Prosecco and played games which Heidi loved. But the reality is, this isn’t like any other Christmas Day, this will be the last she will spend with her loved ones. [/p][p]Simon said: “We still have the tree and decorations up, as we still have our New Years Eve celebration to have. The day was extremely emotional, for all, however in true Heidi spirit she held us all together with her determination to get through the day with no tears. Heidi is now fully focused on the next big day, Pedal for Pounds!”[/p][p]Heidi’s final wish is to reach her target of £15,000 in her rickshaw challenge this weekend. Please help us put a smile on her face by sharing with your family, friends and colleagues and supporting her through sponsorship if you can 💙 thank you.[/p][p]-[/p][vmgvideo class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lzrK5zrJapg?showinfo=0&rel=0&iv_load_policy=3"][/vmgvideo][p]From a normal run of the mill family, our lives were tossed upside down on the 23rd December 2019 when my partner Heidi, who is also a mother, a sister and amazing friend was diagnosed with small cell lung Cancer. This is beyond doubt the most difficult journey any of the family has encountered, experiencing the Cancer rollercoaster ride which has no on/off button, the cancer metastasising to her brain and more recently her liver.[/p][p]The Garden Hospice has become close to our hearts, where we have received amazing assistance from the majority of their services, not just for Heidi but for us all. The hospice family has to be the most professional and kindest people we have ever met, their dedication is second to none. I was shocked at the lack of funding they receive. With this is mind, as a family we are pedalling for pounds. We have had a Rickshaw donated to us for the day so Heidi can be involved, her wish to complete the 30 miles while being pulled by us from different points. [/p][p]Please help by adding a donation to this page, not only for the Hospice, but to put a massive smile on Heidi’s face. This will not be easy for her, as she needs oxygen at all times. Once again please help us, make this brave ladies last few weeks one she can be proud of.[/p][p]Stay safe and stick a mask on.[/p]