I haven’t known Ruby as a life-long friend. Rodney and Alan have been colleagues and friends for many years. Ruby and I did meet on social occasions, having dinner together several times and at various Dial-a-Cab functions. I always found Ruby to be a warm and friendly person and very easy to chat to.
   We were very sad to hear of Ruby’s illness in November 2000. Alan kept in close touch with Rodney hearing of her battle to get well, often coming so close to death, but managing to pull through at the eleventh hour. We soon realised what a strong and brave woman Ruby was, so determined to beat this dreadful illness and always so positive that she would make a full recovery. After her treatment was finished and she did indeed make a remarkable recovery, we were invited to her home where she hosted a thank-you party for all the people who had supported both her and Rodney during such difficult times. It was a pleasure to see her so happy and relaxed with friends, just enjoying being alive.
   But alas it was not to be. This cruel illness returned and it just did not seem possible that Ruby would not be able to beat it again. In fact she so very nearly did, continuing with her difficult, debilitating treatments with some success.
   In March 2003, DaC held their 50th Anniversary Dinner and Ball. Rodney and Ruby sat on our table as guests of Call Sign. As you can see from her photo, you would barely think that she had a cold, let alone been through gruelling bouts of chemotherapy. She was telling Alan and I about some

new treatment that she was about to try and we said a little prayer to ourselves that it would be successful. It soon became clear that this dreadful disease was not going to go away. But still she battled long and hard, so brave, so determined. How many times would Alan anxiously be ringing Rodney not knowing what to expect, to be told that she had bounced back yet again and was amazing all the doctors.
   But even Ruby couldn’t work a miracle. She was admitted to the Isabel Hospice in Welwyn Garden City when it was felt her body was too weak to undergo further treatment, although it was not being ruled out. Some further treatment was in fact carried out. Ruby was told that this treatment had a minimal chance of helping her but could possibly help future patients. She immediately agreed.
   Ruby used her last weeks in her own strong and positive way, preparing Rodney with lists of practical things he would need to know, doing everything at her pace, trying to prepare him for a time without her.

I had the privilege to see Ruby  in the hospice. On our first visit I felt uplifted by her. She told me that she had had three good years since her diagnosis, but knew that she was now declining fast. When we left, I said to Alan that it seemed strange to have such a good feeling of warmth and love from someone who was obviously nearing the end of her life, but Ruby was indeed a very special person. We saw Ruby just a week later and the deterioration was apparent. We stayed a short time, but this time left with a feeling of great sadness.
   Ruby passed away two days later on New Year’s Eve, a night that had special memories for both her and Rodney. Even then, she showed such strength and courage that she sent Rodney home on a pretext and then passed peacefully away, sparing him any pain she could.
   As I said, I have only known Ruby for a short period in my life. I believe that you can meet people who come into your life for a short time but can touch you in a very special way, making a profound difference to how you think and feel. Ruby was such a person.
   Ruby’s body gave up, but her strong spirit shone through with her courage and determination. I truly believe this spirit is too strong to just disappear and it will live on through Rodney and her family and should always be a source of inspiration to them and to all who knew her.
   Rest peacefully Ruby, with love…

Linda Fisher