Woman’s final text inspires loved ones

10:51am Tuesday 10th June 2008

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A TEXT message sent by a 24-year-old woman just hours before she died has inspired her friends and family to remain positive as they mourn for her.

Swanley resident Lucy Clarke died from pulmonary hypertension on April 7 after a two-year battle with the rare lung condition.

As she was being rushed into intensive care just hours before she died, the devout Christian sent a message to her friend Shirley Goodburn.

It said: "It's so tough at the moment, I am not sleeping much and getting very breathless. It's difficult trying to be strong all the time.

"I had a rough ride this morning and got quite frightened. I then went to my place' with Jesus and he was standing there with the kindest eyes. He didn't say anything, he just looked intently at me.

"And I was washed over with reassurance and love. Trust in Him was his message."

The text was shown to Lucy's friends and family after she died and its message of courage and faith during difficult times has inspired them.

Her 53-year-old father Calvin, of Philip Avenue, Swanley, said: "We thought it was so special and uplifting that we included it on the service sheet at the thanksgiving service.

"It is touching so many lives."

TV researcher Lucy's family and friends have organised a fundraising event for charity the Pulmonary Hypertension Association, which supports victims of the disease.

More than 200 people will attend the event at The Woodlands in Hilda May Avenue, Swanley, on June 21.

A photographic tribute to Lucy will be on display and there will be live music and games.

Lucy's 27-year old brother John said: "We just want to make sure her death was not in vain and we can push awareness of the condition and the charity which supports the sufferers and their families."

An association spokesman said: "We are so grateful Lucy's friends and family are putting on this event at such a difficult time, to raise money for people with the condition."

More than 4,000 people in the UK have been diagnosed with the fatal condition.

It causes the blood pressure in the pulmonary artery to rise far above normal levels.

At the same time as the pressure rises, the walls of the blood vessels become thicker. This puts intense strain on the heart.

Pulmonary hypertension can occur with or without an identifiable or known cause.

For more information, visit the website pha-uk.com