Sam's sister Mandy died yesterday morning in her sleep, it was totally unexpected.  Sam and her family are obviously gutted.

Mandy was an amazing woman, she brought a smile to everyone around her.  She joined our bootcamp and was a joy to be around.

A scroll down her Facebook wall shows how much everybody thought of her.

Sam and her family are really close and will support each other in every way they possibly can but it is that closeness that also makes it so hard.  They are a family who still live as a family, they go for lunch together, have a Sunday roast at Aunty Sue's most weeks, actually enjoy spending time together.

We all live increasingly busy lives yet the Batty's always made time for each other and had family time; something I must admit to being guilty of being too 'busy' for.

When was the last time you spoke to your brother or sister, your mum or dad?  

I know people who haven't spoken to each other for months over petty disagreements that they have built into a bigger story than it actually is.  How would they feel if that person was suddenly taken away without the time to say 'I love you' or 'I'm sorry'.  

Life is short and cruel, we need to show the people around us that we love them and care for them.  We need to forgive those that have hurt us, for holding a grudge does us more harm than them.

We need to be grateful for everything and everyone in our lives.

My love and thoughts go out to Sam and the whole Batty family and may Mandy Rest In Peace.

Darren