Having read many of the touching tributes, stories and memories it is clear to see how much Anne meant to so many people; I am most definitely another person who can be added to that list...

When I heard the sad news of Anne's passing it stopped me in my tracks, it hit like a ton of bricks, for almost five years she was like a second mother to me and even welcomed me into her home with open arms.

It would have been at least 6 years since we last spoke or saw each other but I have memories that will last a lifetime created and shared with a great, fun, kind and generous woman. I don't think I can really remember a time in all the years I knew Anne when she was not putting someone else before herself and making sure that everyone was happy, enjoying themselves or just comfortable when she was around. She was always doing things for others. She adored Kara, Sian, Graham, Amelia and "Uncle Kevin", something I am sure never changed right until her last moments! She loved unconditionally - in every sense of the word.

I can recall many a time sitting out in the garden having a drink, swapping stories and poking fun at one another. Anne was the chalk to my cheese, but that never stopped us having a good laugh, sometimes we didn't even have to speak a word to start laughing, it would be a look or a reaction because we knew how to push each others buttons and would often play on it for a bit of fun, my with my smart sarcastic comments and her razor sharp dry wit to put me back in my place.

I was lucky enough in the years that we knew each other to travel with Anne, almost always at her expense, she wanted to share everything she had with her family and I feel blessed to have been once included in that circle. We travelled to Turkey, the whole Latham/Buckley clan at the time, for two weeks in the sun and luxury! The main thing I remember from the entire holiday is how much I laughed and enjoyed every minute of being away, especially watching her and Kevin bounce off one another like a comedy double act, the bond they shared was such a special one and the joy it brought those people around them was incredible.

I mentioned Anne's kind and generous nature earlier and this was further extended to me when she came to meet Kara and I in San Fransisco. Having travelled the world at this point for 6 months living in 8 man dorm rooms and bunk beds it was an amazing treat for us to be booked into a luxury boutique hotel and treated to meals, new clothes and trips to see all the sites of the city. We made many a memory on that trip,me shaking a ketchup bottle and the lid flying off covering us all in ketchup, me spilling an ice cold champagne bucket all over Anne in the Napa Valley when champagne tasting, trekking over the Golden Gate Bridge and the amazing trip to Alcatraz, all memories that I will treasure forever and would never have had if it wasn't for Anne's kindness; My world will be forever shine a little brighter because of her, as will the memories.

In summary, before I go on too long, I would like to finish by once again saying how much Anne was a very special woman and will be sorely missed by many, missed but never forgotten, her spirt will live on through the remaining family for eternity.

Kara and Sian, I would like to dedicate this poem that I read recently to you both, let it serve as a reminder that even though unfortunately your mum has left us for now, she won't be forgotten and you will meet again.

A Mother's love is something
that no one can explain,
It is made of deep devotion
and of sacrifice and pain,
It is endless and unselfish
and enduring come what may
For nothing can destroy it
or take that love away

Gone too soon, Rest In Peace

All my Love

Mark