Daughter pays tribute to her brave mum - Somerset

From the Western Gazette

A LOVING daughter who shaved her head for charity has paid tribute to her brave mum who passed away last week.

Eileen Hughes, 60, of Stoke-sub-Hamdon, died in Yeovil District Hospital on Friday of pneumonia. She had been battling cancer of the gullet since she was diagnosed in June.

Daughter Polly Worner, 33, of South Petherton, raised £1,400 for Cancer Research UK when she shed her hair during the summer in a show of support for her mum whose hair fell out as a result of cancer treatment.

Mrs Worner said her mum was taken into hospital a week before her death with a bowel infection and picked up a chest infection while in hospital. She said: "She did pick up for a while. The nurses were pleased with her progress then sadly she died.

"It came as a shock. We thought we had her a bit longer. God must have wanted mum sooner. Now she is with her mum and dad. We didn't expect her to go so quick."

Ms Hughes was a Romany Gypsy and born in a wagon at Tinker's Bubble, near Yeovil, Mrs Worner said. She was one of six children.

Mrs Worner added: "She travelled around in the wagon with her mum and dad, brothers and sisters. They stayed in a caravan park at Tintinhull then when we were young she moved into a house.

"She did pea-picking as a job, all the Travellers did. Mum was a hard worker all her life and took great pride in her grandson who she brought up.

"Ever since mum got her diagnosis, she was ever so brave. All the way through she was so strong and brave. We are so proud of her. When she left she took a piece of our hearts with her. We will never forget her."

Ms Hughes is survived by her five children Peter, 34, Mrs Worner, Lisa, 31, Brian, 30, and Annie, 29, and five grandchildren.

Mrs Worner said the funeral service will be at The Parish church of St Peter and St Paul, South Petherton, on Monday, December 31 at 11am. A procession will then walk to South Petherton cemetery at midday.