[West Ender]

My husband died suddenly, from meningitis, 11 years ago at the age of 55. I was in deep shock and, for a while, I didn't want to live. I couldn't see the point and I couldn't see a future without him. My mother, who was 86 at the time, said, "You'll get through this. You're a strong lass." I didn't believe her at first, I didn't feel at all strong, but I went back to work a few weeks later and had the tremendous support of my colleagues and friends as well as the fantastic support of my children, who were grieving too but helped me so much. What really did it for me, though, was my grandson. He was 10 at the time and had been very close to his grampa. I looked at him and I knew I couldn't put him through losing me as well.

I know how it feels to come close to the edge and I'll always be grateful for a wonderful family, brilliant friends, and my lovely Peter who is now 21 and my pride and joy. I'm thankful, too, for having what my mum called a "stubborn streak" - she knew, I inherited it from her. I was one of the lucky ones.