SWINDON CANCER APPEAL: LITTLE Ben Spicer-Harvey calls his gran Nanny Sky.
He only had a short time with her she died six months after he was born but she still looms large in his life.
Janet Spicer was 63 when she died from ovarian cancer three years ago.
She had a cancerous tumour the size of a tennis ball growing on one of her ovaries.
It killed her eight months after it was discovered, but the Swindon Cancer Appeal is helping mum Jenny explain to three-year-old Ben what happened to his gran.
Jenny explains her mother's death to Ben by saying that his gran is a star, shining in the sky.
Jenny, 32, of Fyfield Avenue, who lives with her fianc Neil Harvey, 32, Ben's dad, said: "My biggest concern was that she would not survive long enough to see her grandson Ben, but she did." Jenny said that her mother also wrote Ben a letter, explaining what he meant to her, and expressing deep regret at not being able to watch him grow up, which he will read one day.
Jenny said: "I'm just so glad we all got the chance to say goodbye.
" I remember all the times we sat around her bed, talking and chatting."
As soon as Janet's cancer was diagnosed, she and her family received care and support from Macmillan nurses.
They were of special help to Janet's husband Ken, 66, who had difficulty accepting that his wife was seriously ill.
He said: "They were sensational, I knew Janet was ill, but I wouldn't accept it was cancer.
"They sat down with me and helped me realise that she was going."
The family back the Evening Advertiser's appeal in aid of Macmillan.
Jenny added: "It's a fantastic appeal, the nurses meant everything to me.
"They became part of the family."
To make a donation to the appeal online, click here.
Tell us about your fundraising event, click here.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article