Get Back Up!

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Vectis Tribute

Andrew Hopwood

It is with much sadness that we have to report the recent passing of our Property Services Manager. Andy Hopwood after a short illness. Andy was a much respected work colleague a good friend to us all and a kind gentle and generous man. We will miss him terribly and all our thoughts are with his wife Vanda their three daughters and remaining family at this difficult time. The Office will be closed from 12 noon for the rest of the day on Friday 23rd November so that Andy's colleagues may pay their respects at his funeral.

What a Shit Month

There you are, having the time of your life, enjoying all the good times and bam! Something happens to turn your whole life upside down. Andrew had been saying he had neck ache for over a week and I told him all the usual things ... maybe you're too tired, maybe you need to drink more, maybe you ought to go and see the doctor. But because he was so used to being in pain he just carried on as he always does, with out complaining. He spent all night being sick (which wasn't unusual when he had a bad head) so I left him in bed to try and rest and sleep it off. I text him to see if he felt any better but got no reply. Liam phoned me at work to say he'd found Andrew in the bathroom and something was wrong. So to cut a long story short, Andrew was unconscious, the ambulance was called, I drove home from work, they took him to St Mary's Hospital and then airlifted him by helicopter to Southampton Neurological Intensive Care Unit. I've never been so scared in all my life. We all went home, packed as much stuff as we could, got on a ferry and went to the hospital. The only way I can describe how I felt is by listening to the words of the song "Wires" by Athlete.

It's been a roller coaster ride of emotion and unfortunately, 3 1/2 weeks later on 28th October, my poor Andrew passed away. I never knew you could miss someone like I miss him.

I sent him a text message everyday, I have no idea why, I think it was the only way I could communicate with him. It's not all been doom & gloom though, and if I can, I'll share the story. Andrew & I spent 32 years together, I was 16 when he asked me out. He took me for a pub lunch and that was it. 2 years later, on my 18th birthday, we got engaged and 2 years after that, on the 30th June 1984 we were married. We've got 3 amazing daughters, 2 fantastic son-in-laws to be & one gorgeously cute grandson. We are Andrew's Magnificent 7 xxx

Lacock Abbey March 2012

Wolf Sanctuary February 2012

Godshill with Andrew January 2012

Bembridge Lagoons January 2012