Esme Morris Macintyre
(photos by CRM)
(photos by CRM)
Very sadly Esme lost her fight against her brain tumour earlier this afternoon – she was just 18. The end was quick but thankfully peaceful.
The tumour was first diagnosed when she was 11 and for six years it seemed that an operation and treatment had been a successful. Unfortunately the tumour returned last autumn and a second operation was able to remove only part of the tumour.
Esme, who had already raised thousands of pounds for Teenage Cancer Trust, was determined to fight on. She put together a wish list of people she wanted to meet and things she still wanted to do and logged her progress on a Facebook page – Esme's Adventure. She did not have time to tick off all the items on her wish list but she did have some wonderful memories in her final few weeks. In particular her bravery brought out the kindness and generosity of a number of big stars and personalities.
Olympic multi-champion cyclist Sir Chris Hoy came to visit her the day after he announced his retirement – pictured on Esme's Facebook page. Then on the first day of Wimbledon she was at Centre Court to see Andy Murray win his first match of this year's Championship. Judy Murray, Andy's mum, was brilliant. Firstly she arranged for Esme, then in a wheelchair, to have a place right by the court. Then through Judy she got to meet Andy and to spend several hours in the players' lounge. Again see photos on Esme's Facebook page. Andy won Wimbledon shortly after Esme died, so she wasn't able to see his great success.
Esme also spent time with the singer Amy Macdonald and met singer Emile Sandé in Glasgow. Just two weeks ago today she took part in the Race for Life in Kirkcaldy with her great friend Eilidh and a few days later she modelled for the Portmoak Fashion Show in aid of the charity Hospices of Hope.
Esme has been amazingly brave and resourceful and in death she remains an inspiration.
Esme on her 18th birthday, 14 February 2013
Three generations - Esme with her Mum and her Granny
2 comments:
I had the privilege of meeting Esme and her family when, at Esme's instigation, they all came to my flat to watch the Olympic Opening Ceremony a year ago, the fireworks visible through the window as well as on screen.
Esme didn't need them: she was a personality who lit up any room, and, as I heard the sad news today, the victory of Andy Murray at Wimbledon was already inspiring me to think of ways to do something to support the charitable work that she continued to the end.
She met Andy only a week or so ago, which is why I immediately thought of Esme: she was, and remains, an inspiration, as well as a courageously engaging young woman not easily forgotten by any who met her.
Many thanks Claire. You are right now is the time to think how we can pick up the torch of Esme's fund raising.
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