'Too much, too young'

Spring 1996 - the hospice was very different from the concrete edifice of the hospital in Hammersmith.

Set in the grounds of a hospital in Hertfordshire it was all on one level, with small wards and pretty landscaping outside. It was a reassuring place rather than a frightening one.

The day I went to see Elaine she was surrounded by her family - her mum, her dad, her sister, Paul. She was lying in bed and she looked a lot slimmer and so much better than she had done in the hosptial. The steroids had now left her system and she looked like her old self.

I recall someone telling me that Elaine's children had been to see her, although I'm not sure if they both came.

I hope they did.