A Saturday Sharing

Hello, Grace here.

I hope this finds you safe, happy and healthy. I really do.

I hope you’ll forgive me. This week I won’t be sharing artwork or raffle winners on this Saturday Share. There is something more important at hand.

Life can be so uncomprehendingly tragic at times. Last Saturday our friend (and old Clarity colleague) Ani Graves passed away, just 5 days ahead of her 34th birthday. She had only just found out a few weeks before that she had an aggressive form of cancer, that had spread to multiple locations. Our hearts break for Ani, her daughter, her partner and family.

Ani started as a Clarity stamp maker when she was just 20!

Beautiful Ani at a Clarity outing

Then when Ani was expecting her baby, Mum moved her into the design department. Ani quickly learned how to navigate her way around a Mac, so that she could work from home when the baby came. She was such a brilliant artist, in so many ways.

Ani designed the Flyaway Boy and the Girl, the You hung the Moon, the child with the heart balloons and so many more. These are some of Mum’s all time forever favourites!

Ani was a bright, clever and creative woman. And we can’t stop thinking about her. We can’t stop thinking about her lovely daughter Dorothy either, now 7 years old.

Clarity Christmas 2016

Dorothy was our first Clarity Baby, you see.

And we loved when Ani did her weekly office visits.

They both hold a special place in Mum’s heart, I know that. Mum just about managed to send me her photos and get her donation in, but couldn’t write this one herself. She always had a real soft spot for both of them. I honestly have never seen my Mum be that obsessed with a baby before, setting Dot up next to her desk every time she visited. So I know Mum will always have Dotty’s back from afar. We’re heartbroken for them.

There are no words really. Ani and I had spoken briefly just 2 weeks ago on Instagram, and she shared her bad news with me. And one week later she’s gone. I don’t know what to say. But there’s a JustGiving page for beautiful Dorothy and Ani’s partner Dan, both suddenly left behind without her, so we have to say something! This is where we can help.

Nobody could have foreseen this tragedy, and Ani had no time to prepare. So her little girl and partner need all the help they can get – financially too.

Please donate what you can, if you can. I’ve attached the link below. Every little really does help.

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/anigraves?fbclid=IwAR3AzznHhqd1XLj6Etkq26eyxeePumBwK03GmaGL5LDjaUFrwzHNaNrcauA

Rest in Peace, Ani Graves xo

Perhaps you’d like to make a card too. If you already own those beautiful images that Ani designed, why not make some art putting them to work and post it on Clarity Worldwide. Simply in memory of Ani.
Let’s just flood the page with her Ani artwork and her Ani energy. She will be greatly missed by so many.

Travel gently friends…

Lotsa love, Grace xo

Clarity – The Home of Art, Craft and Well-Being.

61 thoughts on “A Saturday Sharing

  • 20th November 2021 at 12:41 pm
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    Hi Grace, this is heartbreaking to read but thanks for sharing it with us. I know how your Mom loves those stamps. always her go to when doing a demo with inky backgrounds. Our family saying of Live for today & sort tomorrow out when it comes just resonates with this. You just don’t know what is round the corner so better to make the most of every day. My thoughts are with Dan, Dorothy & the rest of the family at this sad time x

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    • 20th November 2021 at 3:29 pm
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      My heart goes out to her family. A beautiful tribute Grace. X ❤️

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      • 20th November 2021 at 4:57 pm
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        So sad. My thoughts are with her family. X

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      • 21st November 2021 at 8:11 am
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        Such sad, sad news. So much in the world. Live today the best we can…xxx

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    • 20th November 2021 at 5:56 pm
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      My thoughts are with them, especially as I lost my mother to cancer when I was only 7 too. That was back in the 60s and it is so sad that we still don’t have a cure.

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      • 20th November 2021 at 7:26 pm
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        How very sad.
        Death is hard at any point in the year, but always seems almost cruel near to Christmas time.
        Condolences to her famiky and wee one…
        .

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    • 21st November 2021 at 6:53 am
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      What heartbreaking news Grace! Life can be so cruel indeed! I do feel for her family especially her partner and her little daughter and also for you and all at Clarity having a lost a dear friend! Thinking of you all. Hugs xxx

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    • 21st November 2021 at 5:52 pm
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      Life is sometimes very cruel, my heart goes out to Ani’s family.and friends xxx

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  • 20th November 2021 at 3:03 pm
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    Thanks for writing this tribute to Ani , Grace. She really was such a great kid. What a crying shame and shocking end . I find myself constantly thinking about Ani and Dot. Just grappling with their tragedy, and sad. What a terrible loss. X Mum

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    • 20th November 2021 at 4:33 pm
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      Unbelievably sad news. Such a bright creative spark in this scary world, just taken too soon.
      Thinking of her family and all the Clarity team who knew her. ❤️🙏🏻

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    • 21st November 2021 at 10:04 pm
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      What really sad news – my thoughts go out to her family Xx

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  • 20th November 2021 at 3:11 pm
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    Hi Grace and Barbara, what such sad and tragic news. I remember reading when Dot was born and being the first Clarity baby. I really don’t know what to say except I’ll to to the just giving page now. Deepest sympathy to Dan and Dot and their family at this sad time x x x

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    • 21st November 2021 at 10:03 pm
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      What really sad news – my thoughts go out to her family Xx

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  • 20th November 2021 at 3:48 pm
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    Such sad and tragic news. Sincere condolences to Dan, Dot, their family and friends. xx

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    • 20th November 2021 at 3:56 pm
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      What a lovely blog grace she sounded amazing just like artwork. I will always think of her when I see that artwork.

      Sending love to her family and friends at this sad time and for the ahead.

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    • 20th November 2021 at 6:11 pm
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      What a heart renching e mail to read Gracex
      Yes I am so terribly sorry for the family!
      I for one have the stamps and I have to say they are one of my favourites too
      I am thinking of Dan and Dot at this sad time but for sure her stamps will live on as I for one will always think about Ani when I use them
      God bless to her family and sending massive hugs ❤️

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  • 20th November 2021 at 3:56 pm
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    Hello Grace
    What dreadful ‘news’. My heart goes out to her family. A close friend of nearly 40 years lost her life suddenly on Tuesday.
    Ani will live on in Dorothy and I hope this gives everyone some comfort.
    Love
    Roz.xxx

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    • 20th November 2021 at 6:24 pm
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      Oh my such heart breaking news, RIP dear Ani, sending much love to her family xx

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  • 20th November 2021 at 4:02 pm
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    Life is so cruel. RIP Ani. X

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  • 20th November 2021 at 4:03 pm
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    This is soo so sad. Life can be very cruel. RIP Ani.

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  • 20th November 2021 at 4:05 pm
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    I am so dreadfully sorry to hear such sad news. The stamps are a beautiful reminder of her talent. Sending love and hugs 💗

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  • 20th November 2021 at 4:06 pm
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    Oh my goodness, what awful news. Love and hugs to everyone xx

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  • 20th November 2021 at 4:35 pm
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    Such tragic news. My heart goes out to Ani’s family and friends at this sad time.

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  • 20th November 2021 at 4:38 pm
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    Thank you for writing this post Grace… It has been a shock to everyone . Sometimes there are no words that can convey the feeling of loss. Particularly in someone so young. I have an enduring memory of little Dottie curled up on a bean bag, under a desk in our office, watching a DVD whilst ‘Mum’ , Ani, was trying to get some work done ….’fly away Ani’ R.I.P. David.

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  • 20th November 2021 at 4:45 pm
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    Oh Grace, so sad. My heart goes out to Dan and Dorothy and to all the Clarity family. Using these stamps will be so poignant from now on. Xx

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  • 20th November 2021 at 4:47 pm
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    How very very sad Grace but what a lovely tribute to her you have done in this blog. Such a shame for someone so young to have lost their lives and so quickly with no chance to prepare. I have always said you need to live for today because you just don’t know what’s round the corner. I’m sure her partner will keep her memory alive for little Dottie but so sad to lose a parent so young. Feeling for the whole family and the Clarity family too xx

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  • 20th November 2021 at 4:47 pm
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    Words fail. Hugs to all.xxx

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  • 20th November 2021 at 4:58 pm
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    Oh Grace this is so sad my thoughts go out to all her family and friends. I met her at the retreats and she was just lovely. Xxx

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  • 20th November 2021 at 5:08 pm
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    This is devastating news. My heart goes out to Ani’s family. To Dorothy and Dan, my deepest, sincere condolences. Ani’s beauty, creativity and kindness will never be forgotten. My love also, to all at Clarity. Ani was family and the loss of of a family member is so very hard to bear.
    I have lit a candle for Ani tonight xxxx

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  • 20th November 2021 at 5:13 pm
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    This is so sad, the 4th person I have heard about over the last couple of weeks. Sending lots of love to all
    Ani’s family and friends, this is heartbreaking for all concerned ❤️🌈🌺🌸🍄

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  • 20th November 2021 at 5:23 pm
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    So very sad. Ani was a lovely special person. I can remember Dotty sitting under Barbara’s desk in the office. They were always together when I would visit. Words fail me at this moment in time. I am so sorry ❤️

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  • 20th November 2021 at 5:31 pm
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    How heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers are with Dan, Dotty and all who loved Ani. A beautiful tribute x

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  • 20th November 2021 at 5:34 pm
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    You are very brave, Grace, to write such a fitting and lovely tribute. I only know Ani through her art but her stamps say everything about her talent as an artist, and your words about Dorothy everything about her skill as a Mum. The world has lost a bright star and my heart goes out to you and all who knew her. Please accept my deepest sympathy.

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  • 20th November 2021 at 5:54 pm
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    Oh so sad Grace, I feel for you all and understand how hard it must be for you, Barbara and the Clarity Team. The family even more so. Sending lots of love and much needed hugs to everyone. X

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  • 20th November 2021 at 6:05 pm
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    Grace, that is such a beautiful tribute to a lovely and talented lady. Having just been to a very emotional funeral this week for a very long standing friend, taken far too soon, this sad news really hit me. The thought of that beautiful little Dottie, growing up without her Mum is so sad. I am sure everyone will rally round and keep Ani’s memory alive for her daughter in the future. Ani’s memory will live on for us through those special pieces of art. Maggie Craner (Silvercrafter) xxx

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  • 20th November 2021 at 6:13 pm
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    A moving tribute Grace. Such sad news. Ani was so young and had so much to live for. It really brings home what little things we should be so grateful for.

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  • 20th November 2021 at 6:31 pm
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    So sorry xoxo

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  • 20th November 2021 at 6:39 pm
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    Oh that’s such sad and tragic news!
    Rest in peace dear Ani.
    My sincerest condolences to Dan and to her daughter Dotty and the rest of her family.
    Xxxxx

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  • 20th November 2021 at 6:49 pm
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    Such very sad news Grace. My thoughts are with you all at Clarity and Ani’s family. Such a young and talented life to be lost

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  • 20th November 2021 at 7:23 pm
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    Such devastating news, my heart goes out to Ani’s family and friends. Grace this is a beautiful tribute, thank you for writing

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  • 20th November 2021 at 7:24 pm
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    Thoughts are with you all and the family of Ani especially. It hits home how fragile we are. My cousin of 34 died a few weeks ago from cancer he fought it from the age if 23. Love too you all xx

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  • 20th November 2021 at 7:25 pm
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    So sad to read this. Small donation made in honour of her clarity stamps. Always a favourite go to stamp x

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  • 20th November 2021 at 7:34 pm
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    Hi Grace, Such a tragic read !! My heart goes out to Ani’s partner and her beautiful girl, you are all in my thoughts and prayers. RIP Ani.
    Lots of love from Patricia xx

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  • 20th November 2021 at 7:35 pm
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    So saddened to hear of the loss of such a beautiful and talented young girl .Thinking of her daughter and family and friends .May she rest in peace .

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  • 20th November 2021 at 7:39 pm
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    My heart hurts for someone I never met.
    The tears flow for her family and friends.
    The unbearable grief,

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  • 20th November 2021 at 7:51 pm
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    Life is so cruel, such sad news and a shock to all her family and friends. Words seem so empty at times like these. Lots of caring thoughts to you all.

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  • 20th November 2021 at 8:06 pm
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    Sad news Grace. Condolences to all concerned.

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    • 22nd November 2021 at 9:57 am
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      I am so sorry to hear of this sad loss to you all.
      Thank you Grace telling us about this lovely young woman.
      My thoughts are with all those whose lives had Ani in it and will be finding this time so difficult to comprehend.

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  • 20th November 2021 at 8:36 pm
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    What a tragedy for her poor family as well as for her -Poor Ani and poor Dorothy and Dan. I love her artwork so much and own most of it. She’ll live on in the hearts of those who love her and her work will continue to give pleasure to both makers an receivers of the art.
    It is a lovely tribute Grace, so also sending hugs to you and your mum who must also feel her loss so keenly.

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  • 20th November 2021 at 9:06 pm
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    What a heart breaking post to read and my heart goes out to you all and Ani’s family. I remember fondly reading about Dorothy being the first Clarity baby. What a terrible, tragic loss. Love and hugs to you all. X

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  • 20th November 2021 at 9:40 pm
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    what terribly tragic news! I remember Barbara sharing the news about Ani and the baby all those years ago. So desperately sad for Ani’s family and all the Clarity team. Holding you all in my prayers

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  • 20th November 2021 at 11:13 pm
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    Dear Grace. So very sorry to read your blog. This dreadful thing to take someone so young. Sending deepest sympathy to her family, also sorry for you and your Mum. Ani will be remembered through her lovely work. Xx

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  • 21st November 2021 at 6:11 am
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    So very sad 😔 My heart goes out to Ani’s family & friends 💕💕💕

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  • 21st November 2021 at 7:39 am
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    So, so sad to read this, I am lost for words.

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  • 21st November 2021 at 8:14 am
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    Such sad news. Love to Dan , Dotty, family friends and the Clarity family. Xx

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  • 21st November 2021 at 10:46 am
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    Such sad sad news. Sending love snd hugs xx

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  • 21st November 2021 at 12:22 pm
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    This is such terribly sad news, and my heart goes out to Dan, Dorothy, Ani’s family, friends and loved ones, and especially all the crew at Clarity who I’m sure will miss her so much.
    She is in my prayers today.
    May she rest in peace and rise in glory
    Cx

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  • 21st November 2021 at 3:32 pm
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    Such sad news. Can’t stop thinking about it. Thinking about you all.

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  • 22nd November 2021 at 6:41 am
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    Oh Grace, what sad news, my heart goes out to Dan and Dotty, all the family and the Clarity family. Rest in Peace Ani xx

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  • 22nd November 2021 at 9:59 am
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    Such heartbreaking news…..my heart felt sympathies go to all who knew and loved Ani
    Rest in peace Ani xxx

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  • 23rd November 2021 at 3:46 am
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    Hi Grace
    Such sad news. I’m so sorry for the loss of you friend and my sympathies go out to Ani’s family and friends. This is such a terrible thing to happen at any age, but she was so young. Her husband and daughter must be devastated.
    I will go and leave something on the crowd funding page. It won’t be much, I’m afraid, but if it helps en they are welcome to it.
    Take care. Love to your mum too.
    Hugs xxxxx

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