LEGENDS from the world of motor sport joined hundreds of people who gathered to pay tribute to an inspirational Tetbury woman whose commitment, drive and dedication gave hope to those battling cancer on Monday.

Among the congregation at Gloucester Cathedral paying tribute to Hope for Tomorrow founder Christine Mills OBE were British racing driver and sports commentator Martin Brundle and Formula One chief Ross Brawn OBE, who is credited as the man behind Michael Schumacher’s seven world championship titles.

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But it was testament to the woman behind the UK’s first mobile cancer care charity that the historic building in the heart of Gloucester was filled with people from every walk of life - nurses, colleagues, patients, friends, family sat alongside the racing legends.

After a short welcome and opening prayer from Canon Celia Thomson, who led the service, Lord MacLaurin, the honorary life president of Hope for Tomorrow, read from Mary Butera’s poem, Hope for Tomorrow.

Next to pay tribute to Christine was Le Mans 24 hour legend Derek Bell MB, and another of the charity’s patrons.

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He spoke of Christine and her husband’s unique partnership, and after his death, her ‘tireless work thinking of others’.

As his voice audibly cracked, he lamented that “three or four minutes was not enough to celebrate such an amazing woman, a legend for the future”.

What followed for the next 45 minutes of the service was a fitting celebration of the life of an incredible woman, which filled the cathedral with joy and light.

Susan Thomas’s moving story of how her husband came to be the first patient for the charity, and the ‘gift of precious time’ that the charity gave them - during the two years before he sadly passed away from his illness showed the real impact that the charity had on patient’s lives.

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“Time for me to cherish, and be cherished by my husband,” she told the congregation.

Christine’s family followed with a dignified and heartwarming reading, which was filled gentle humour, describing her ‘childlike enthusiasm and relentless hard work’.

Ross Brawn, himself a formidable figure in the racing world, described Christine as an ‘English rose, covering a steal magnolia’.

“Her commitment, and dogged persistence changed people’s lives,” he continued.

He also reminded those present that the charity would be her legacy, which would still continue through her great team at Hope for Tomorrow.

Before the cathedral choir sang their final uplifting song, Dr Sean Elyan, chairman of Hope for Tomorrow, and consultant oncologist at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHSFT addressed those gathered to celebrate Christine.

“Through her enthusiasm, drive and selflessness she took cancer care close to people’s lives,” he said.
“She challenged my life, and inspired many others.”

In next week’s paper find out how you can help keep Christine Mills' legacy alive through Hope for Tomorrow.