She was so much more than just my mum. She was my rock, my support, my biggest fan. She loved with her whole heart and I’ve felt that every day since I can remember. She was my constant - always there, the focal point of our family and truly the person who held us all together. She was passionate and had her strong, Dutch, ‘Van Doorn’ spirit which made her the most remarkable and loving woman I know. Not only was she a very loving and caring mum, she was a provider, making sure we wanted for nothing. She taught me the value of working hard and giving 100% to everything you do. I saw her work three jobs at once and raise a family. 

She was greatly talented, being able to sew, knit, embroider and basically create anything at all out of material. She started her own business and as usual, put in all her energy and was rewarded with a thriving business. She then took me on - her biggest challenge no doubt - and she proceeded to teach me how to sew. 

She was an amazing woman. I asked her recently, who had taught her to make curtains and she said she’d taught herself as she understood how to sew. I continued to learn every day for 14 years, and I still know only a fraction of what she knew. We made a fantastic team and I loved nothing more than spending my days chatting, watching telly and making curtains. 

I started to see my mum in a different light once I had my boys. I hadn’t realised how much you could love your children and again I saw how much love mum had for us three girls. She was the most devoted grandma. She’d spent her whole life trying to give up smoking to no avail, but when I said I was pregnant with Freddie and the smell of smoke made me feel ill she gave up just like that - I was amazed! From the day Freddie was born and mum turned up with a banner, balloons and a teddy bear she unleashed her love. I don’t think we bought him any clothes in the first 4 years and very few after that, as mum would constantly buy him clothes, shoes, toys - anything she thought he’d like. I seldom bought any school clothes either. 

Her love wasn’t just for her girls - it was extended in spades to Sean and Bryan. From day one she saw them as sons and they were victims of her generosity. Sean once mentioned he liked meerkats, and from then on she bought him pictures, mugs, toys, anything to do with meerkats - that was mum. She was at her happiest whilst showering people with love and food.

I’ll forever miss her smile, her cuddles - as you’re never too old for a hug from your mum. She taught me so much and was an inspiration. A true people-person who could make friends with every person within a room inside 15 minutes.  Her smile, her genuine ease and openness made her an incredible person to be around. I’m proud beyond words of my mum. Of everything she did and achieved, how she followed her heart always - coming to England, loving her family, loving her business and loving her grandchildren without constraint. 
I’ll miss her forever, but will carry her always in my heart.