Just over two weeks ago my partner Jack and his family suffered a terrible loss. Alison McGuire-Baker, sister-in-law to Jack and very dear wife to Jack's brother, Alex, died suddenly aged only 32. It has been a considerable shock to us all, but obviously Jack and his family, as well as Alison's dad and her younger sister, have been left with having to face the future now without her.
Because Alison was such a wonderful and vibrant person, and had really fought through many things in her life, I really wanted to just write this post in her memory, and to acknowledge the positive and energetic life she had, despite having had cancer twice (first at age 5!) and having had a heart transplant 17 years ago. Some of Alison's story is in this news article she featured in.
In fact, we only recently celebrated Alison's 17th year of having her heart transplant a few months ago, by having a surprise party for her, which was organised by her husband Alex. This was the last time I saw Alison, as the last time Jack and I visited their house she was upstairs in bed feeling poorly, and so on that occasion we heard her (she did shout the odd thing down the stairs to join in conversation!), rather than saw her.
Despite what Alison had to deal with regarding her health, she made sure she enjoyed life and had a real fighting spirit - the Irish blood in her helped. She really was a very special person.
The above picture shows us at Christmas 2004, Alison is the one holding the wine! I'm sat next to her with my partner Jack, Alex is stood behind Jack and there is also Pat, Jack and Alex's mum. Because Alison and I had a lot in common in terms of our personalities, and were always the 'big gobs' round the dinner table, I will especially miss her as my 'counterpart'.
So this post is dedicated to Alison, who will be deeply missed and who leaves a legacy of hope for other people who have to contend with such battles in life. She touched so many people's hearts and she stayed positive throughout her life - she was an inspiration to us all.
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I'm Andrea, and am obsessed with creating fabulous food. After I managed to ditch dieting, the reason Chocolate and Beyond was born, it seemed natural to evolve my site into a foodie blog. More so since I also ditched animal produce to be vegan. Now, I love showing how inventive cruelty-free cooking can be. And sometimes I like to rant, too. I wouldn't be myself otherwise :) x 
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