GEMMA HOLLAND
Our Gemma was born on July 10th, 1984 at Upney Hospital, Barking.
Gemma was a bright and intelligent child who was destined for greater things. She attended both infant and junior schools at Montgomerie School in Benfleet, Essex.
She was very good academically and represented her school in sports, in athletics and netball. When Gemma left Montgomerie she then attended The King John School in Thundersley.
Within her first year at school she had a wonderful report and represented her school at sports, infact she had potential at her netball that she was asked to train with a ladies team in Hadleigh.
Gemma was a person who had no enimies and lots of friends. She loved everything about life and was always an happy child.
Gemma was a healthy child until September 1996 when she felt really ill and went to Basildon Hospital for tests. The results showed that she was diagnosed with an aggressive type of leukaemia and Gemma was then transfered to London's St.Bart's hospital to received her treatment.
Due to the type of her leukaemia she was diagnosed with her treatment was over a shorter duration due to her type of leukaemia being more aggressive so the drugs were stronger. In March 1997, Gemma had a bone marrow transplant operation. Her brother, Dean (then aged 9) was her donor as all other family members were not a perfect match for Gemma and for a while she was in remission but the disease returned shortly afterwards.
Gemma was so popular with the staff at the hospital that doctors and nurses were always bringing her in get well cards and gifts on a regular basis. Her consultant was Dr. Vascar Saha, a real lovely and caring doctor. He was so well thought of by the family that Gemma had a kitten bought by her nan. The kitten was white and she named him Vascar after her consultant.
Gemma passed away in May 1997, aged 12 years old. She was a jewel in our family's crown.
Our loss of our daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece and cousin will ensure our lives will never be the same but we think of the good times she gave us.
Also that she will be proud that the family ensure that the 'promise' continues.
We would like to thank our employers, Ladbrokes, for their total support to the whole family whilst we were with Gemma in hospital. Also our friends and neighbours who cared for Dean.