Our beautiful Mum, Dawnie was a huge animal lover her whole life. Her family owned dogs in her childhood, then in her adult years she owned cats, Anglo Nubian goats (which she used to show!), then when she was 40, she realised her childhood dream of buying her own horse. Dawnie owned Mr Bud for 23 years and at the age of 27, he is still very much alive, and living life happily in his retirement after many years of adventures with Dawnie. She is pictured with her Dad's current dog, Roxy, her faithful companion cat Peggy who lived with her before she moved into care and her beloved horse, Mr Bud.

Diagnosed with Young Onset Alzheimer's disease at the age of 58, and after a stoic 5 year battle, Dawnie sadly died at the age of 63. Her final hours were peaceful, and she was able to say goodbye to all immediate family members.

Dawnie was a keen motorcyclist in her youth and she trained as a motor bike instructor, she used to love telling the story of when drove to Scotland on her motorbike as a teenager, following her family's car from their home in Worcester. She was a trained chef, who proudly served in the Territorial Army and enjoyed exercises with them in Denmark before she had children. With a sweet tooth, Dawnies favourite treats to cook were cakes and desserts, she used to sell her cakes, which were enjoyed by so many. One of Dawnie's favourite outings would be to enjoy 'mocha' coffee and cake (or afternoon tea!) with her children and friends. She loved children and when her children were small, she worked at the local playgroup, became a qualified childminder and worked as a support worker at Hanley Castle High School, which was one of her favourite jobs. In later years she worked as a Support Worker for Headway, taught cookery classes at Worcester College of Technology and trained as an NVQ Assessor. Dawnie never stopped trying to develop her skills and also took a night class to train as a Massage Therapist. She also completed Maths classes, to overcome her fear from school, thinking her whole life that she may have dyscalculia.

Dawnie's bravery in the face of this horrific illness  was truly inspiring, she always tried to see the positives, despite what she was facing. She was remarkable, regardless of all of her struggles she never expected anything from anyone and her gratitude for everything and the little things was incredibly humbling - she always thought there was someone who was worse off than she was, as she said she had 'so much'. She was such a beautiful soul, inside and out, never losing her love for animals, who always bought her comfort and everyone warmed to her childlike spirit and cheeky glint. Her children tried to keep her joy of animals alive for as long as possible by coordinating trips for her to the West Midlands Safari Park, where she had a 'VIP meet the seals experience'; watching the birds at Warwick Castle and enjoying an incredible bird handling experience where she flew a Harris Hawk, British Kestrel and Screeching Owl. Dawnie proudly became 'Animal PA' to the budgies who moved into her Care Home and even got her own badge! She was able to keep riding Mr Bud until she was 61, and he visited her at the Care Home ? Dawnie was surrounded by a wonderful collective of friends and family, alongside her children, who tried to ensure that she continued to get out and enjoy life throughout her journey. She enjoyed many 'bucket list' items such as a Helicopter ride over the Malvern Hills where she saw Mr Bud and her house; holiday with her children to Devon and pony trekking in Dartmoor; Cadbury's World; and the Sealife Centre. She loved music and her radio was always on - she particularly enjoyed Rock Music and loved to dance and head bang - bringing a lot of laughs and joy to those who joined in with her. Keenly green-fingered, Dawnie was extremely proud of her garden and vegetable patch. Her love of gardening was enjoyed for many years at the Well Bean Gardening Club and she had a beautiful garden outside her care home window, designed and cared for by a wonderful friend.

Dawnie's children are so grateful for the lessons that she taught them, and everything they learned through caring for her. Becoming a Granny bought an immense happiness to Dawnie who dearly loved her baby Grandson and whose arrival bought her overwhelming excitement, pride and joy.

Rest in peace, beautiful, kind, Dawnie, your memory will live on in your three children and Grandson - we all love you more than words can do justice.

If you would like to make a donation in Dawnie's memory, you may do so here. Hillside are very grateful for any donations received.  You are also very welcome to ring the Sanctuary office on 01603 736200 to make a donation. Thank you.