Simon
Ellie and I first met in 2016 after seeing each other across a crowded dating app. We got engaged on our first anniversary and married on our second. Ellie was known as a Hughes, a Sennen and a Chandler - but to me she was my best friend, my wife and the Project Manager of my life.
Here are some things I know about Ellie.
Although she valued her Jewish heritage, the only religion she ever believed in was dog. Dizzy arrived in 2010 and filled Ellie’s life with joy and purpose. It’s hard to imagine she almost gave her up during the first year; but after months of patience, perseverance and training Dizzy became the “happiest dog in the world” she is today. It was clear from the outset there was a pecking order at home which started with Dizzy and featured me elsewhere on the list. Ellie provided a loving home to so many fur babies and leaves Dizzy and Mackie in my somewhat able hands.
I know that Ellie was beautiful, capable and intelligent; with a mind that often moved too fast for her to keep up with. And she was funny. The kind of funny that would often get her into trouble. Ellie was a proud liberal and didn’t mind anyone knowing. She was forthcoming with her opinions and passionate in her views; always led by what was right towards others. She couldn’t tolerate injustice, those who condoned it and spoke out against it at any opportunity. No matter whose birthday party it was.
I know that the NHS held a special place in her heart, long before people clapped for carers. Kings College Hospital is where Ellie was born, reborn after her transplant and ultimately passed away. We should all recognise that she cost the British taxpayer an absolute fortune.
I know that Ellie’s personality was so big, it was easy to overlook how kind, sensitive and thoughtful she was. My only criticism is that she never saw herself as we all did. She never fully recognised the impact she had on others and would be overwhelmed if she knew just how much she meant to so many.
I also know that our life together was filled with laughter, love and happiness. We had our share of difficult times but despite any problem we faced, we always faced them together. She challenged me, made me laugh and managed to surprise me every day. Spending lots of time together often tests the limits of a relationship, but it only seemed to make ours stronger.
Ellie, I will forever be grateful to you. You were my friend first and my idiot second. You made me want to be a better person. Not only did you teach me what true love is, I now know that leaving a tap running in Charlton somehow kills a polar bear in the Arctic Ocean.
We loved a lot in the time we were lucky enough to share. And I will forever be grateful for that.
#badboysforlife
