A CHARITABLE foundation is being set up in memory of young Bromsgrove woman Amy Redhead who lost her brave battle with illness last month.
The Amy Redhead Foundation is being created by Amy’s family to raise awareness of Colitis and make it easier for young people to have the necessary tests to diagnose and provide treatment at the earliest stages.
Amy, who was 28, suffered with Ulcerative Colitis on a daily basis but never complained about it. In October last year she was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer.
Her mum Lynn said: “During those four months, Amy found an inner strength and bravery that was humbling, inspirational and unwavering.
“When she found out about the diagnosis she was utterly devastated but was ready and inspired to fight and highlight to others the signs and symptoms of her illness which she did to the end.
“She had the support of her direct family and a close group of friends who were in contact with her every day.”
Amy loved animals, especially the family’s two dogs Jake and Tilly and, along with her mum, dad and sister, Tilly was with her when she died.
Amy’s final journey saw her taken to Bordesley Park, Beoley, in a horse-drawn carriage where her coffin was placed in their ceremony room for anyone wishing to pay their last respects
She was then taken to Redditch Crematorium for a very short service attended only by immediate family and close friends. Her sister Emily and three friends were pall bearers.
The eulogy and wake Amy helped organise took place in the Bordesley Park marquee and garden.
There, 200 friends and family looked through pictures of Amy, drank cocktails and ate traditional pizza in her memory and even had a go on a bucking bronco. It culminated in pink and white balloons being released and a flamboyant firework display.
Donations saw £1,000 raised for the Primrose Hospice and £500 to Crohns/Colitis UK.
“Amy’s funeral was everything she would have wanted it to be,” added Lynn who described her daughter as proud, independent, reserved, sharp and intelligent and someone who had a dry wit and did not suffer fools gladly.
“She had a small circle of friends to whom she was very loyal and they knew they could depend on her.”
Amy worked in several people-orientated roles, including in a pub, in mobile phone sales and support, as a leisure assistant and a teaching assistant.
She was a self-employed swimming instructress.
Despite her Colitis she was a reliable and conscientious worker, hating to let anyone down, hardly ever taking any days off sick over the years.
She became a pensions’ administrator, a new role she was looking forward to proving herself in. She was happy and was positive about the future.
Despite her illness Amy was an avid trainer sometimes using the gym twice a day, adhering to a strict diet and loving an active life.
“She was a naturally lovely girl who until her death still took great care in her appearance.
“She had a wicked sense of humour and was very eloquent when the need came.
“In her last months she reached out and touched, supported and inspired many people through her vlogs on social media.
“She was very much loved by her family and is deeply missed by all who knew her.”
Lynn thanked everyone who donated at the wake and to Amy’s ‘GoFundme’ page.
She also paid tribute to all the staff at the Primrose Hospice and the Alexandra Hospital Colorectal Department, Jo and Mark from Thomas Brothers funeral directors, Celebrant Jacqui, Tracey and Stacey from Grafton Carriages, Charlie from Bordesley Park and Jenna and Holly from JollyMedia.
Visit www.amyredheadfoundation.co.uk for more on the Amy Redhead Foundation.
