A COLCHESTER woman who lost her life to breast cancer has been honoured by the Red Arrows with a touching tribute.
Terri Chandler, who was born in Sudbury but spent most of her adult life in Colchester, died in June.
Prior to her death, the 54-year-old penned her bucket list which included things like a stay at The Savoy in London and meeting musician Ed Sheeran.
On Friday, the Red Arrows flew over St Helena Hospice, which cared for Terri, to cross another line off the Ipswich Town superfan’s list.
A spokeswoman for the hospice, in Barncroft Close, Highwoods, Colchester, said: “Terri died before completing her bucket list but would have been amazed and delighted to tick this one off.
“As the Red Arrows flew over, they let out a white smoke trail for Terri and everyone watching from the hospice garden.”
Terri worked as a paediatric nurse at Colchester Hospital, working her way through the ranks after joining the NHS as a healthcare assistant following the completion of a nursery nursing qualification.
As one of few nurses specialising in allergies and asthma, she became well-known amongst her patients, who still remember the kindness she showed them.
She was diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2021 and discovered it was terminal in January this year.
Her brother Richard Chandler said despite his sister’s diagnosis, her zest for life couldn’t be contained.
She spent the last six months of her life working through her bucket list – attending sporting events, having dinner in restaurants she had always wanted to go to, and seeing as many concerts as she possibly could, including Pink, Ed Sheeran, and Adele.
Richard added: “Terri was fiercely independent. She had a way of doing things her way.
“She wouldn’t conform to rules, and she was never a girly-girl. She loved most sports, but especially football.”
Prior to her death, Terri said: “I hope people don't feel that death is a thing to fear.
"I think it's a thing to cherish, to think that at least I can do things I want to do and say things I want to do, and I think it brings families and friends together.”
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