Life Goes On

It seems important, to us as a family, that we need to redirect the vast energy and joy for life which was such an integral part of Becca’s being. And so we are aiming to carry forward this energy force in a variety of ways. Our grief will always be there, but as Becca would always remind us, it is through laughter and joy that we can make the world a less threatening place.

Kev is getting into his studio - more news on the paintings (and other projects) later!

Our love to all Becca’s Angels – and to everyone working on the projects! And if you can sponsor Sam (Becca's sister) on her Great South Run, there are details below.

The Melanoma Awareness Project

"Nostalgia" was the first of many! This show toured in 1994 – in Becca’s Morris Minor!

Donna Kilpin (formerly Donna Goddard – BAPA Midddlesex University) worked with Becca for ten years as ‘Small Scale Theatre’ – touring hilarious comedy shows and encouraging community involvement throughout Cornwall and Devon. Donna is now directing the creation of two very special films (in inter-active DVD format) which aim to raise the public awareness of melanoma and for the need to take swift action when once it strikes.

Lewannick Primary School (where Becca was working before brain tumours made teaching impossible) is to feature in the first film. It has a good ‘sun care’ policy and this will be central to the story. The second film, relying heavily on footage from Becca’s own performances, will be aimed at older children and adults.

Donna is working closely with Dr Tom Lucke, dermatologist at The Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro, and their aim is clear. The rate of melanoma is increasing rapidly – especially in the South West. When once it takes hold there is no cure. People must take care. And must be encouraged to spot early signs.

The Health Authority hope to distribute the films widely throughout Cornwall. The technical work is being managed by Multi- Media Arts Documentation (M-MAD). Krystyna Zdan-Michajlowicz who founded the company seven years ago was a friend of Becca’s – and had been working with Becca and Donna to document the work of Small Scale – and indeed M-MAD evolved from Small Scale’s community work.

Krystyna feels proud to be supporting this venture – and we are so pleased to have her company working along side.

You can find details of M-MAD here www.m-mad.co.uk

Stara Woods

These are a particularly ‘natural’ collection of woodlands – in a very peaceful location between Launceston and Liskeard (Grid Reference SX289737). Progress on this project is following a leisurely pace and the summer weather has not helped. An area to the west of the River Lyner has been identified. It lies in the shelter of a rocky outcrop. Woodsman Anthony Waters is to use timber from the woods to build a picnic area. It will be approached via a pathway along the side of which we are to plant butterfly encouraging species. A ‘Trail of Smiles’ will lead through the woods.

Sam's Run

Sam Williams (Becca’s sister Sammy (Right)) and her friend Claire Mowbray (Left) are both now well into their training schedule for The Great South Run in Portsmouth on October 28th.

They are raising money for ‘CANCERactive’, a charity which aims to publish, through its magazine ICON, all research, from all sources, connected with the treatment of cancer. CANCERactive will strive to remain independent of the pharmaceutical industry.

If you would like to sponsor Sam and make a donation, then please go to the CANCERactive website then scroll down to the bottom of the page and enter the name of the person and the amount. Or ring their office on 01280 821211.