Patch poem

She would have been 22 today. Instead we buried her last Friday surrounded by hundreds of people who loved her.

It was a desperately sad occasion, but she is now at peace, released from the constant mental pain that was with her every day - a burden that she fought and despite which she still managed to achieve so much, to shine so brightly and to have a massive positive impact on so many people. And she is in a beautiful place - Anne and I went to see her today.

We had literally hundreds of tributes to Patch sent by email and on facebook and by post. They were a massive help to us.

The students in St Andrews held a lantern flight celebration and tribute to Patch last week, on the beach.

 We celebrated her life in our own village hall - a place where she spent so much time over the years at play-groups and Brownies and appearing in the annual village show for so many years. It was such a comfort for us to be surrounded by so many people who knew and loved Patch. Her uncle Russell, brother Angus, cousin Erin and best friend Grace spoke wonderfully, warmly and movingly about her place in their lives and what she meant to us all.

And people took away with them a card - just images - that showed some of her many characters and many self-reinventions over the years.

One of her favourite phrases was: 'I am a leaf on the wind... watch how I soar.

 I am a leaf on the wind.. watch how I soar..

I am a little girl
See how I play
I am the May-Queen
the Goddess of the May

I am the bright and clever child
A source of endless pride
I am my mother's hopes and dreams
She sometimes helps me hide

I am in need of canine help
From Crush and Roops and Gee
And Lupin and from Pretty Bear
who we just call 'PB'

I am the fount of endless joy
A bright spark in your life
I am the 'fun' in 'funny'
A queen in Kingdom Fife

I am the love that wraps you up
The one you sought to find
The one who helps you through the days
And brings peace to your mind

I am the source of endless hope
I'll help your dreams to hatch
My name is Maddy Conway
But you can call me Patch

I am the one who cares for you
I am your faithful friend
I will inspire set hearts on fire
and love you in the end

I will burn bright and in the night
I'll leave you wanting more
I am a leaf upon the wind
Watch how I soar


Sleep well my darling girl.

Love Dad xxx