In memory of Rita Rosina Herron

I went to school with Mel from aged 4-up and as an only child I remember making plans for what I would do if anything happened to my parents. I decided that I would either go and live with the Herron's or with my aunt Nancy! I must have decided that Rita was an excellent mum, a warm and caring lady who was as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside.

I completed my 10 mile cross country walk yesterday, and I have woken not being the same person. It was hard, the heat and the nettles were the most enduring obstacles, but it was a great feeling crossing the finishing line. The pain that I endured on my walk is nowhere near as symbolic as the pain that is suffered by thousands of women and their families each year because of breast cancer. I hope that raising money for breakthrough can ease someone

I first met Rita at Senior School in 1953. We both went to Vauxhall Park School, and then moved to Dick Shephard Comp. in Brockwell Park when our headmistress became the new head of this brand new school.Rita and I had some great times both at school and socially. Rita's Mum and Dad threw some very good parties. I enjoyed staying at Ritas house and got to know and love her family very well. We became very close over the years and even our then prospective husbands found out they new each other from their army days. Our families followed and we ended up having our children very close. I had my son Paul in Nov. 1967, 12months lated Rita had Simon in Nov. My son Steven came along in May 1967 - 12months later Rita had Chloe, then it reversed, Rita had Melissa in Jan. 1973 and I had Claire May 1973. I remember wonderful fun filled days when we all got together, the children always had a great time. Rita was a kind, loving very generous person,and even after all this time I still miss her very much. She was one of my closest friends. Istill look back on the wonderful times we had together. Simon, Chloe, and Mel you had a lovely Mum. God Bless you Rita, with all my love.

Growing up, knowing Chloe and the Herrons always gave me some where to go when I needed to feel loved. So much love in one family! Rita was a very special person who you could not help but love, she made every one feel special. I will never forget some of the conversations at breakfast and the answers that Rita would give mel, frank and honest! If you were there you know the conversation I am talking about! A one in a million lady who will never be forgotten by any one who met her.

I am a school friend of Mel's - we were at Fairlawn Primary school together and I have vivid memories of going round to the Herron household and your Mum. I only knew her at a very particular moment in time but I remember it well. She was always warm and generous (even though we were real little scallywags sometimes!) and I loved your house. I remember a 'blue room' which was sort of a Chinese decor, china vases etc. which I thought was really romantic! Your Mum was a great cook too and she always made me feel at home with your clan. So, when we had a Fairlawn reunion after many years I was really sorry to hear that you lost your Mum so young and I just want to say that this memorial is a wonderful idea and I am sure she would be really proud of you.

O have just read what everyone has said about my sister.....when I wipe away the tears and pull myself together I will write something

Rita has and will always be an inspiration in our lives one example is how you treat others, she was a peoples person, she made you feel special and that anything is possible no matter what your ability. The love for her family the gatherings round the big table at Canonbie Road, Rita & Tom's home cooking there are so many memories we are so grateful to have been a part of..

My mum died of breast cancer and it ripped our family apart, but she lives on in my heart and memory and in the faces of my children- especially Rosie who is a mini Reet in more ways than one!! My mum truly was my best friend. I was fortunate enough to have the kind of relationship that I could tell her any thing and her love was unconditional- falling pregnant with Joe only three months after meeting Michael might have phased some parents, but mum just told people that we were a match made in heaven!! and how true she was! I wish that she was still here, but time is a great healer and I have accepted her death although I can still feel cheated when my children acheive some thing and I wish my mum was here to share it.I loved the memories from Marie, Pete and Laura, I have a thousand memories of my mum- not all good!! but all of them special because they made me the person I am today. I decided to walk 60km because after hearing one of those sad adverts on the radio ,the date 24th September was a message from Reet as it is our 17th wedding aniversary and for some reason I was having a wish my mum was here moment. On the 17th September 2005 We are holding a 'Remember Rita Night'c at our new pub The Beacon, Hayes all proceeds will be going to my walk- I am determined to raise