Frances
We learnt late last week that Frances, our dear colleague and friend, passed away on Wednesday last.
Fran had been battling a brain tumour over the last few months and had been on a course of chemotherapy. At the time and to date, we felt that it was not appropriate to share this with our clients and partners. In March she began to experience severe neck pain and loss of power in her left arm. While most would have requested time off, Fran was determined to keep things as normal as possible and she instead requested some adjustments to be made around her. Only a few weeks ago she was delivering training to grateful recipients in Aberdeen.
Around two weeks ago, things took a significant turn for the worse and she had a fall. She was subsequently admitted to hospital and after less than a week there, she tragically passed away.
As you know, the Navigator team is very close and I would personally be very grateful if you were to be gentle around Wendy, Clare, Seanpaul, Alan, Bernadette and Graham over the coming days as I know you will be. However, not too gentle as there will be someone looking down at me delivering her favourite phrase in a fairly withering fashion; “Oh, man-up princess”. She actually directed that comment at one of our clients once!
We have been comforted by the volume and generosity of messages we have received from our clients and partners regarding their experiences of working with Fran; how effective she had been, how down to earth, how pragmatic, how approachable and how professional. And a good deal of additional and similarly complimentary and appreciative comments. So much so, that we have decided to collate a selection of those comments and present them to Adrian. The value of such a collection may not be great just now but we hope that one day Magnus, Sebastian and Adrian might find some comfort in those lovely comments about Fran.
Frances’ funeral will take place at Mortonhall Crematorium on Monday the 5th of June with a reception afterwards at Duddingston Golf Club. Adrian has requested no flowers but he has also suggested that Maggie’s Centres “were superb in their support while Fran was at the Western receiving chemotherapy and during her last hours”. It is our intention to make a donation to Maggie’s in recognition of Adrian’s wishes.
The Navigator team will miss Frances desperately but will cherish some very rewarding and good times together.
Thank you Fran…