Legacy of love for mum
The loved ones of a Seaham woman have launched an appeal to create a legacy in her memory by helping people enjoy one of her favourite spots for years to come.
Pauline Robson was approaching her 64th birthday when she died suddenly following a lung cancer diagnosis, having never been a smoker.
She loved walking on the coast with dog Schnoodle Tessay, with daughter Amy, 29, husband Martin, 65, deciding to support something fitting to remember her by through an appeal for a ramp at Seaham’s Slope Beach.
It has always been a popular spot, but more so since a rise in cold water swimming, with Amy among the Seaham Sea Swimmers group set up by Pauline’s niece Nicola Napier.
Amy said: “Mam died very suddenly, but always stressed she wanted no fuss at her funeral. She loved collecting sea glass with my dad and enjoyed nothing more than going down the seafront or the marina for a coffee.
“Mam was a woman who was practical and would never want hundreds of pounds spent on flowers for her funeral.
"We felt that this was an appropriate way to let people express their grief and continue mam's legacy and zest for life, ensuring people could access the beach and the sea.
"Mam throughout my life and childhood has shown me the power of nature and the outdoors and how it can positively impact mental health and well-being.
"Mam was so loved by all, and was a popular woman and I think that this is reflected in the outpouring my dad and I have received, and the donations received to date."
Pauline, nee Napier, was originally from Murton, and worked at Re diffusion then Alexander Batteries, along with best friend Joan Jones, before training in childcare.
She worked at the Glebe Centre in Murton then as a cook at Glendene School as the family moved to Easington
Village. She enjoyed going to Gym 55 in Seaham’s Church Street and festivals including Glastonbury and Storming the Castle and was a much-loved friend to many.
Pauline also leaves brother James, 69, and close friend and sister-in-law Ann Mee, 57, along with brothers and sisters-in-laws and nieces and nephews.
The fund can be found via https://www.gofundme. com/f/seaham-marina-beachramp-in-memory-of-pauline.