There are a lot of people and organisations who have been thanked within the book but who cannot be thanked enough. I would like to formally thank them again.

The Royal Marsden Hospital Children’s Unit

Throughout this book, I have heaped praise on the staff of the Unit. It is not enough. Nothing I ever say will be enough. I can only say that I am immensely grateful for their love, skill, and dedication.

The Auxiliary Departments in the Royal Marsden Hospital

These are the people who run the MRI, CRT, Radiography, X ray, Ultrasound and all the other units that are involved with childhood cancer treatment. These staff would always make a special effort for the children. Nurses and Doctors would stay into their lunch breaks or after work to do a vital test which was arranged at the last minute. They would bend over backwards to fit the children into their tight schedules. Thank you.

Rainbow House

You provide very practical, loving, and much needed support for families with terminal children. Your efforts are deeply appreciated. Keep up the good work.

Make a Wish Foundation

You gave us a much remembered and desperately needed holiday. Thank you again. Your open days were an excellent day out for the family and wonderful time to see old friends.

St John’s School Cancer Fund, St John’s Primary School, Redhill

Thank you so much for your fund raising and our break in Hastings.

Our 'special' nurse

You did not nurse the patient, you nursed the whole family. We needed it and are very thankful for your love and support.

EDS

You showed a sensitivity and commitment to our situation which most parents do not see from their employers. I cannot thank you enough for the time you gave me with my son.

Sara

Thank you for being such an excellent Mum to Max. You could have done no more.

Sara’s and my family

For your unending support, throughout the illnesses, Max’s last days, and in the turmoil which followed. Thank you.

Our local Doctor, and all the support staff who helped us in caring for Max in his last days at home

You all had an impossible task. You carried it out with an empathy which was so caring and un-intrusive. We could have asked for no more.

All the people who offered help, who did their little bit, who helped in their own little way

If we did not accept your offers of help then it was because we wanted do this in our way, but your offers did not go unrecognised. It helped so much to see that so many people cared.

The 'Auntie' review

Before publishing this book I asked a number of people to review the book. This select group of people primarily consisted of my sisters and sisters in law. Other members of the Auntie Review were close friends. Thank you all very much for your time and criticism, especially those whose own pain made the review an ordeal

Howard Hodgkin

Thanks to the artist Howard Hodgkin for permission to display his painting 'Memories of Max' which is on the Homepage

Copyright © 2001