IN MEMORY OF POLLY
Written by Handler Elly Whiteford
When I think of Polly the first thoughts are of Polly’s friendliness and her drive and enthusiasm for ‘playing’ in the outdoors whether it be swimming, paddling, running-or trotting as she would say, on the bike or walking with anyone who would go with her. Closely followed by pink and penguins and more recently in hospital, knitting, especially hats.
It didn’t matter if you knew Polly for 5 minutes or 5 years you knew you’d met her. She had a wonderful way of being able to talk to anyone and make you feel good. I can’t think of anytime that I did not have a good time with Polly-even when she was down or stressed she still managed a positive comment.
Her enthusiasm and passion for the outdoors inspired and urged all who were with her on and to have a go whatever level you were.
Polly bodied for the search dogs on tuesday nights and some sunday afternoons- I think the trip to the Whinlatter Cafe for tea and cake after training also appealed :-). Although Polly didn't manage to body for us a great deal before being diagnosed with leukemia, her help and support to me through training Mac was greatly appreciated. Polly was also close to Steve and Saffron of Wasdale Mountain Rescue and their seach dog Rosie.
Polly is the bravest person I know. Through her illness she was faced with every hurdle possible and yet she has come back time again positive and strong. She would say ‘I’ve had a cry and a Polly pep talk and I’m ok now’. She couldn’t have done more when out of hospital to get herself strong and healthy and she steadily and determinedly upped her fitness to get out into those hills where she belonged and astounded the doctors by biking in events and her ascents of Sharp Edge on Blencathra and Scafell Pike as well as supporting on the Bob Graham round.
Unfortunately, Polly lost the battle, she was so close to making it but the bone marrow transplant did not go to plan and she ended up with host versus graft disease which weakened her so much that despite her determination to live and positive approach, finally got the better of her.
Polly was the best friend anyone could ask for, an incredibly brave person and I miss her a great deal.
The donations from Polly's funeral were split between Leukemia Research, Anthony Nolan Trust(bone marrow transplants), Ward 8 (RVI, Newcastle) and SARDA Lakes. SARDA Lakes was chosen by Chris (Polly's partner) and her family to represent the 'outdoor' life she led. The donations raised in excess of £800 for SARDA Lakes.
Farewell you northern hills, you mountains all goodbye
Moorland and stony ridges, crags and peaks goodbye
Glyder Fach farewell, Cul Beag, Scafell, cloud-bearing Suilven
Sun warmed rock and the cold of Bleaklow's frozen sea
The snow and the wind and the rain of hills and mountains
Days in the sun and the tempered wind and the air like wine
And you drink and you drink till you're drunk
On the joy of living - Joy of Living (Ewan MacColl)
