My mother Eileen was nanny to Elspeth and her brother Neil, first in Blackburn, then at Burley Moor. I grew up alongside her albeit some years younger and always in awe of her adventurous life; her travels, her wedding; her children and later her grandchildren. We would share many special moments over the years and our last adventure involved breaking into a heavily secured building site in Blackburn, now an Indian Restaurant, but once her childhood home. This evoked wonderful memories for Elspeth and we laughed until we cried. Elspeth was an amazing God Parent to my son Daniel, taking her role so seriously and enjoying trips across Europe with him. Elspeth, yours was truly a life well lived and your spirit, humour and energy live on in your sons and grandchildren. Sue J

I remember Elspeth from when Matthew and I became friends around the age of 8 back in the early 80s. She was always the most warm, thoughtful, caring loving individual, she used to have to put up with plenty of our childish antics and did so with natural authority and grace. An incredibly, strong, resilient and powerful woman. You will be sorely missed. Rest In Peace.

I was devastated to hear the news about Elspeth. Words are too limiting to describe such a special soul. Elspeth was beautiful, vital, kind, gentle, wise, gracious, and had such a wonderful sense of humour. She was someone whom I admired greatly and inspired me to be a better person. Our families grew up around the corner from each other, us kids went to the same primary school, and as the years went by our families became closer. When Matty became godfather to my son, Elspeth said to me, with a delightful twinkle in her eye, “Well, we’re definitely family now!”. What an honour to know that Elspeth was not only a dear friend but a precious family member. I was truly blessed to have had Elspeth as my ‘other mother’. Over the decades I spent many years living and working away from London, and yet Elspeth had the wonderful ability that whenever we met or talked, no matter how long it had been, it was as if no time had passed at all, it was natural, authentic, there was no awkwardness, we just picked up where we had left off. I used to look forward to the fantastically interesting and stimulating conversations that I enjoyed with Elspeth, and we would invariably end our chats waxing lyrical about our shared pride and joy - that of our beautiful children and, for Elspeth, her grandchildren. I miss her dreadfully. I am so grateful that she was in our lives and that Matty, you were able to give her one last big hug and kiss from me. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time, and rest assured Elspeth - your sons are still doing you proud. Nicola xxx