In Loving Memory of Cathi Blake

We are the friends of Dr Emma Blake and have set up this page in honour of her mother, Catherine "Cathi" Blake with the permission of Emma Blake.

As many of you may already know Cathi Blake sadly passed away on Saturday 9th December 2023, having battled against two terminal diagnoses: Pancreatic Cancer and Motor Neurone Disease.

Her departure leaves a profound void felt deeply by her only child, Emma, her family, friends and the church community she was a part of.

During this incredibly difficult time, our thoughts, prayers, love and support are with Cathi's siblings, and Emma who has been psychologically, emotionally and financially impacted by this sad event.

During Cathi's illness, Emma took up the caring responsibilities, which impacted her ability to earn and keep up with other conflicting priorities. As an only child, who was living with her mum, she has been unable to bring in a large enough income to cover the rent and other personal expenses.

We have put this page together to fundraise enough money to support Emma to cover the funeral cost and Emma's immediate needs.

Rest in perfect peace, dearest Cathi. As mentioned in your daughters beautiful note below, indeed, you were extremely funny, confident, a lovely dancer and always took so much pride in your appearance. Your kind deeds will forever be remembered. ️

Here is a message from Emma Blake:

On Saturday 9th December my mother Catherine Blake passed away after a valiant battle against two terminal diagnoses. Mum preferred to be called Cathi. She was very funny, confident, loved to dance and always took pride in her appearance. Mum was full of life.

In November of 2018 Mum battled pancreatic cancer and won, after a major operation, rounds of chemo and intense prayers. She was keen to get back to her passions of helping others and enjoying new experiences. She went back to work as soon as she could and fundraised for Age UK Lambeth with a charity skydive in 2021 and later went on a missions trip to Kenya, serving disadvantaged children, who she also sponsored on a monthly basis. She continued to campaign for better services for older people at her job with Age UK Lambeth.

However, in October 2022 mum started developing neurological symptoms and subsequently experienced a number of falls in the months following. From January 2023 her health began to decline and in September, she was told by her oncologists that scans had shown a recurrence of the Pancreatic Cancer she had been diagnosed with in 2018. It was a terrible shock, mum had been cancer free for almost 5 years at that point, but sadly we received yet another blow. Within seven days of receiving that news, we were told that she had another terminal diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease (which explained the neurological symptoms she had been experiencing). This was the worst news we could have received. The doctors said they could not do anything, and that there were no treatments available for my mum. They sent her home under the care of the Palliative Team. But even in the face of this life changing situation, we still chose to fight and believe God, right to the very end.

Throughout 2023 as mum's health declined my caring responsibilities increased dramatically, which impacted my ability to earn and keep up with other conflicting priorities. As an only child, who was previously living with my mum, I was unable to bring in a large enough income to cover our rent, and I am now faced with some considerable challenges ahead. It is with a humble heart that I seek to fundraise enough money in this time of huge personal transition and at a time where the cost of living only exacerbates my situation.

Thank you for any support that you can offer me during this time.

God bless

Emma Blake