This is the tribute I read at Karens Funeral on 7th January 2014. I have had many days, nights, months and years to think about what to say here. But the reality is that there is not enough time to describe the effect Karen had on my life never mind anyone else’s. Mother, wife, sister, daughter and aunty. Five roles she covered with distinction. She was also a wonderful daughter-in-law for my Mum. This proved an invaluable relationship during her illness. I would like to share today some memories of the selfless lady I am so proud to call my wife. By the time I met Karen, September 3rd 2001, she had among many things travelled the world, worked in many different positions, had many friends and was the proud owner of a blue Citroen Saxo Paxo. This was my introduction to what I affectionately called Karenisms. She had her very own way with words and descriptions. In addition she also had her special way of identifying friends with the same name. For example, they would be given additional identification such as Barnsley Jo or Flower Jo depending on geographical location or occupation. Only when this was understood could you begin to appreciate her extended vernacular including the classic doo dahs. Twelve years with Karen means these became second nature to me. Zara has also begun to use them. So they will live on. When we met she was studying towards her AAT qualification, which she obtained. She then joined me in studying for the CIMA qualification. Although her primary reason for this was to further her own career, one of her many selfless acts was to do this to give me the kick up the backside I needed to finish my qualification. When we achieved this it was a proud day for us both. Karen in fact took her final exam after her diagnosis. She could barely sit through the three-hours as she was in so much pain. But she did it and got her reward. She told me that she could not now progress her career as she would have liked but was pleased to have completed it. I was so proud of her for that. Karen has made many friends over her life and most have become lifelong. Many of you are here today. From school, the Boardwalkers Theatre Company and early work colleagues at M&G to the present day, the qualities she possesses to make friends and keep them is a very enviable one. I have made many new friends in the time I have known her that will remain with me – whether they like it or not. A major part of her life before me was her role as landlady to many at 9 Brook Vale. This was clearly a very happy house and many of her former tenants are here today. I have heard many stories of what went on there, very few of which I can repeat. It was a very happy time and clearly a part of her life Karen really enjoyed. Karen also enjoyed good friendships during her working life. None more so than at what proved to be her final company at NOV in Stonehouse. Again many of you are also here today. She enjoyed her role and had a good boss. I know she will apologise for taking some of you out during year-end. The arrival of our wonderful daughter Zara on 17 November 2006 also brought into our lives six families who also became close friends. I know Karen found this an invaluable network and really treasured the close friendships she made. Both with mums and dads and lots of friends for Zara. You were all very important to her. This cannot be underestimated. On the subject of Zara I also would like to thank CKIS for the immense support given to her. I know she is in safe hands there. Our Castlefields family has also been a great comfort to us again with invaluable support. When Karen was diagnosed, January 6th 2009, we made the decision as a family to try and get as much out of life as we could. You will recall that the timescale we had for this was just 18 months. During what turned out to be 5 fighting years we were able to do many things as a family all of which brought us much pleasure. Karen often joked that she had outlived her holiday fund. This was true. As you all know, Karen fought her disease with immense bravery. You can insert many positive adjectives in there all of which would apply. She inspired both her family and I to join the fight with her, which allowed us to achieve many of the things we did during those five years. So there were some highs in addition to the many lows. Karen took the medication, and anyone who will have come across chemotherapy will tell you how awful this is, without fuss or complaint. What it can do to you with the aim of helping you can be horrible. She tried anything during this time and was attending her treatment every three weeks for 4 and a half years, went through a number of MRI scans, Radiotherapy treatments and regular bone and CT scans. She took a mountain of medication on a daily basis. All of this left her extremely tired and in need of a lot of rest. In addition there were three admissions to intensive care where she managed to survive both septicemia and e-coli infections. She also had five major operations. The last of which enabled her to lie on her back for the first time in 4 and a half years. I say this to give some impression of what she went through while fighting. Sue Ryder Hospice provided a lot of this latter care. A place Karen never wanted to be in. Her opinion was changed by the exemplary care she received and, without doubt, this made her final few months easier. For this we thank them. All of this though, proved to be in vain, as we knew it would. I would like give thoughts to both her father Tony, who has now lost a wife and a daughter, and brother Russell a mother and sister in the same way and early. Jean at 56 and Karen at 46. Perhaps it could be a comfort that they are now together again and will remain so here in these church grounds. For Zara losing a mummy is shattering. It will be difficult for you to understand why. I promise I will do my best for you by raising you in a way mummy would be proud of. Speaking personally, I am left devastated. Anyone who knows me will know I tend to use humour as a defence against emotion. This has been stretched over the last few weeks. As I have said to many, knowing this was going to happen is one thing dealing with it when it does is proving to be quite another. I am now beginning a life without my wife, my love, and my soul mate. This will be very hard to do. She inspired, motivated, encouraged, and loved me. I love her with all my heart and my life now has a huge void. There is an empty feeling that is hard to explain. We were a great team for just twelve short years in all. Married for nine. Karen, you will need to guide me forward. I will always love you for all the reasons described here and many, many more. I was fortunate to be able to tell you this during your final hours. You also gave me Zara. And because of her, I know a piece of you will always be with me. I am everything I am because you loved me.