Tributes paid to woman with cerebral palsy who never stopped smiling – Warrington Guardian

A DEVASTATED family has paid tribute to an inspirational woman with cerebral palsy, who died one month after fulfilling her wish of appearing in a newspaper.

Amanda (Mandy) Bullock, 50, who had cerebral palsy all her life, died on April 6 after being diagnosed with oesophagus cancer in December.

When her family was told there were no treatment options available, they sought to fulfill the only wish on her bucket list- to be in the Warrington Guardian.

Mandy's wish came true on March 5, just one month before she died.

Susan Gini, one of Mandy's sisters, explained how her last few weeks were spent happily with her family and she was brought home from Callands Care Home on March 18.

Susan said: "For us to be able to be with her and for her to be at home for her passing, we took the decision to bring her home from Callands Care Home.

"Myself and my auntie became her carers.

"She was unaware that she had so little time left and thought she was coming home for a holiday.

"By this time, visiting was very restricted at the care home, and we were lucky to leave when we did."

Mandy started to deteriorate, but district nurses were always there to look after her when she needed them.

Susan said: "Throughout this traumatic time for her and us, she never complained once.

"She was always consistent in thanking the nurses for everything- even when they gave her injections she continued to smile and thank them.

"All of the nurses who visited us were wonderful.

"They were battling with the consequences of what this virus has brought to our daily lives but never stopped being the caring, professional women they are.

"We cannot thank them enough for their support these last few weeks.

"We see what they do via the media, but only when you have actually have the need of them personally do you really begin to understand that without them, we have no health system."

Since Mandy died, her family have been busy planning her funeral, which they say has been even more difficult due to the coronavirus restrictions.

Mandys funeral will be held on Thursday, April 16 and a service will be held at Fox Covert Cemetery.

She will be be laid to rest along with her mum Irene, who died 16 years ago.

Susan continued: "Mandys loss has destroyed all of us.

"We have her smile, her love and patience in our hearts, bringing us comfort throughout these difficult days.

"My life and my familys life will never be the same.

"She was a very special sister to me and Alison, and auntie who was loved unconditionally and gave love unconditionally.

"Her dad will be lost without her.

"After her auntie, Sheila, lost her husband, Mandy became her rock and gave her strength to carry on.

"So, it was an honour to bring her home for her last few weeks and care for her.

"She feels she has lost her best friend.

"Her cousins and friends will have a big void in their lives from now on."

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Tributes paid to woman with cerebral palsy who never stopped smiling - Warrington Guardian