Calderdale councillor pays tribute to 'beautiful and courageous' daughter

Coun Christine Beal (Rastrick, Conservative) has written this tribute about her 28-year-old daughter Emma who battled mitochondrial disease but sadly passed away last Thursday.

"Tragically we have just lost our beautiful and courageous elder daughter, Emma, 28 to a devastating illness – mitochondrial disease.

"Emma lived her life with the utmost grace, positivity, non-judgement and compassion. She genuinely never would say a bad word about anyone, even those who may not have served her well.

"She worked at the council for a very short while but spent the last two years or so caring for people with profound disability with Scope, to the extent her illness allowed.

"She was also an angel in looking after her grandad who has dementia. She loved to care for others despite being so desperately ill herself and we are so immensely proud of her.

"In Emma’s name I would like to share three things which I hope will bring some positives from her illness and untimely death.

"Some illnesses are invisible. When Emma and her fiancé Paul used her disabled parking badge they often got disapproving looks.

"Whilst I understand that we all abhor abuse of this facility, please remember that some health conditions do not show.

"She needed a wheelchair occasionally but was conscious of funny looks when she walked a little. Not every wheelchair user uses it because of an inability to walk.

"In my time at Council I’ve so often been distressed, overwhelmed and frustrated by the entrenched views and lack of meaningful communication, mutual respect and cooperative working.

"Not amongst all colleagues, but sadly many - especially in the political spectrum. This expands to all areas of life where we get bogged down in dogmas and trivialities which are nowhere near as important as valuing what we have in common and seeking win/win solutions.

"ln Emma’s name I ask everyone to seek to work in more harmony and compassion, and with less judgement.

"Finally I ask readers to consider supporting our new charity which is to raise awareness and funds for mitochondrial research so a cure can be found.

"Emma was very much a part of setting up the charity and loved the idea of being able to do something positive when there was so little else that could be done.

"We never dreamed that its launch would coincide with her death but we will take strength from her strength, and launch very soon with her in spirit.

" ‘My Mito Mission’ will enable anyone with mitochondrial disease to be at the heart of their own mission to raise awareness and funds. ‘Emma’s Mito Mission’ will lead the way.

"Please look out for www.mymitomission.uk and facebook.com/mymitomission or call and leave a message on 01484 719250 so we can send you written information when it’s ready.

"Emma’s close family and I will remain ever-grateful for all the kind support we are receiving and know we’ll continue to receive from our wonderful extended family, friends and wider communities of Rastrick, Brighouse and Calderdale."