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This page is dedicated to raising money to fund the funeral of Emma Louise Welsby. We want to celebrate her life and pay tribute to her laugh, her cheeky grin, and how much love she brought to people. Any contribution, no matter how small, will help us to remember and celebrate Emma’s life in the way that she deserves.
About Emma…
Born on 16th December 1992, Emma passed away 8th April 2016. Emma had Down Syndrome and severe learning disabilities but this was never a barrier for her. She was incredibly happy and spread that happiness wherever she went. She achieved so much and was a very determined young woman. Her sense of humour was recognised by all and we cherish that about her.
Emma had significant health difficulties, but her humour, spirit and strength of character meant that she never let this stop her doing what she wanted to do. Once she set her mind to something, she would do it.
Emma had a congenital heart defect – Atrioventricular Septal Defect (AVSD). (http://www.dhg.org.uk/information/atrioventricularseptaldefect.aspx). At three months old she underwent major heart surgery to repair this. This was done at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool.
Her cardiac problems were monitored closely throughout her life. There had always been a leak on one of the valves in Emma’s heart but around 2006 this was becoming more of an issue. Over this time she was put on medication for this issue. 2 years ago the conversation about Emma having to undergo yet another cardiac op came up. In December 2015 Emma started having issues with chest infections and breathing. She was constantly at the Doctors for two/three months having had several courses of antibiotics, steroids and inhalers, but when this worsened, her Doctor sent her to A&E. She was admitted to hospital and then transferred to Manchester Royal Infirmary. Her consultants told us that she had heart failure and that the original plan for surgery needed to go ahead as soon as possible. This would need to be more serious operation than planned as they would need to insert a mechanical valve, remove scar tissue in the heart, widen one of the arteries, and insert a pacemaker. The risks of this operation were very high. Despite coming round and managing well for the first couple of days, unfortunately, Emma deteriorated. Despite being so unwell, Emma showed her usual strength, courage, and love for everyone around her.
Celebrating Emma
Emma never let anything get in her way. From doing a zip line, to overcoming her fears and performing in a sing and sign concert at Band in the Wall – Emma achieved so much.
We have learnt so much about Emma from her tribute page on facebook. Myself, my parents and those close to Emma will continue to share our memories of her and laugh at the things that she used to do. I will never forget our girly nights in, where we would put on facemasks, watch films, pamper ourselves and take the mick out of each other. She loved shopping, buying CDs and singing at the top of her voice. Above all, she always made me laugh – whenever I was feeling down, Emma would come up to me with a big cheesy grin and say “go on, laugh, I know you want to” and I couldn’t help but burst into laughter. This is the way we will always remember her.
Please help us to raise money to give Emma the send of she deserves – one that celebrates her infectious smiles, humour and love.
About Emma…
Born on 16th December 1992, Emma passed away 8th April 2016. Emma had Down Syndrome and severe learning disabilities but this was never a barrier for her. She was incredibly happy and spread that happiness wherever she went. She achieved so much and was a very determined young woman. Her sense of humour was recognised by all and we cherish that about her.
Emma had significant health difficulties, but her humour, spirit and strength of character meant that she never let this stop her doing what she wanted to do. Once she set her mind to something, she would do it.
Emma had a congenital heart defect – Atrioventricular Septal Defect (AVSD). (http://www.dhg.org.uk/information/atrioventricularseptaldefect.aspx). At three months old she underwent major heart surgery to repair this. This was done at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool.
Her cardiac problems were monitored closely throughout her life. There had always been a leak on one of the valves in Emma’s heart but around 2006 this was becoming more of an issue. Over this time she was put on medication for this issue. 2 years ago the conversation about Emma having to undergo yet another cardiac op came up. In December 2015 Emma started having issues with chest infections and breathing. She was constantly at the Doctors for two/three months having had several courses of antibiotics, steroids and inhalers, but when this worsened, her Doctor sent her to A&E. She was admitted to hospital and then transferred to Manchester Royal Infirmary. Her consultants told us that she had heart failure and that the original plan for surgery needed to go ahead as soon as possible. This would need to be more serious operation than planned as they would need to insert a mechanical valve, remove scar tissue in the heart, widen one of the arteries, and insert a pacemaker. The risks of this operation were very high. Despite coming round and managing well for the first couple of days, unfortunately, Emma deteriorated. Despite being so unwell, Emma showed her usual strength, courage, and love for everyone around her.
Celebrating Emma
Emma never let anything get in her way. From doing a zip line, to overcoming her fears and performing in a sing and sign concert at Band in the Wall – Emma achieved so much.
We have learnt so much about Emma from her tribute page on facebook. Myself, my parents and those close to Emma will continue to share our memories of her and laugh at the things that she used to do. I will never forget our girly nights in, where we would put on facemasks, watch films, pamper ourselves and take the mick out of each other. She loved shopping, buying CDs and singing at the top of her voice. Above all, she always made me laugh – whenever I was feeling down, Emma would come up to me with a big cheesy grin and say “go on, laugh, I know you want to” and I couldn’t help but burst into laughter. This is the way we will always remember her.
Please help us to raise money to give Emma the send of she deserves – one that celebrates her infectious smiles, humour and love.