A DAUGHTER writes to her dead mother every day to help preserve her legacy – and thousands of people have logged on to read her heartfelt messages.
Claire Pedder, 49, writes to her mother Eileen Pedder every day on the Gazette’s online announcements page.
The tribute to Eileen, who died aged 78 after a stroke in January last year, has had more than 14,500 visitors online.
Claire, who lives in Pancake Lane, Hemel Hempstead, said: “I write to her every day without fail, and also my pet golden retriever Saffy who died two years ago.
“I just write very candid things and tell her what’s going on in my life and in the world in general.
“Recently I have been telling her a lot about the Olympic Torch relay, about where it is going and the reaction it’s been getting.
“I know everyone says that their mum is special but I just want her to be honoured and recognised.
“She always said she’d never achieved anything in her life but she volunteered a lot and helped everyone around. She helped out neighbours lots so I tell her ‘you did do something, you were a helper’.”
Claire’s dad Jimmy always reads what she posted and says it is a wonderful tribute to Eileen.
Claire said: “I didn’t know anything about the pages until a friend’s son tragically died.
“I was looking online and thought I’d search my mum’s name too. I saw there was a tribute page and I wrote a few words, and I’ve carried on from there.
“I will write to her every day till the day I depart this earth.”
To see Claire’s messages visit our website at www.hemeltoday.co.uk, click announcements and search Pedder