Wendy was born into the proud and loving Sharman family on April 20th, 1962. I had the fortune to meet her at Hull University where we started dating in February 1985. What attracted me to her? She was athletic and had a natural, radiant beauty. Added to her wonderfully positive, upbeat approach to life, and that lovely warm smile, she had the ability to put everyone she met at ease from the first meeting. Simply put, she had a magnetic personality and irresistible charm.

Wendy was never happier than when she was outdoors. Not only was she a naturally gifted sportswoman, but she was truly at one with nature, seeing and appreciating its beauty and complexity like no other person I’ve known. She almost seemed to take nourishment from seeing the fresh growth and vibrant colours of spring, and found such joy in all kinds of wildlife.

It was while living in Detroit that she really found her passion for photography. She had such a natural and creative eye through the lens. One of her lasting legacies is the significant portfolio of work she has sold or gifted to people around the world. These beautiful, skilfully captured images will always act as a reminder of the talented and intuitive photographer she was.

Together we were a great team. My work prompted a number of moves, both domestically and internationally. Wendy made these upheavals so much more manageable for me, each time taking it upon herself to set up home. Her spirit of adventure and ability to slot comfortably into any community meant that I could stay focused on doing my best at work, while Wendy found new friends and local attractions. She was always there for me, providing balanced, considered and optimistic counsel, helping me to see life in degrees of strength, rather than weakness.

Family was so important to Wendy. She took great pleasure from being with her immediate and extended family, and in particular, dearly loved her nephews and nieces. If she had a regret about leaving us so soon, it was that she wouldn’t be around to see them grow up, and be there to help them make their way in life. She had a special connection with them all, and I know she’ll always be in their hearts.

Wendy’s journey with breast cancer started in August 2001. I use the word “journey” as she always insisted that she wasn’t battling or fighting the disease. From beginning to end, she saw it as a disability, something which had to be lived with, not feared or fought. She wasn’t bitter, or angry, or depressed by having this disease, but even more determined to live for the day and wring every drop of life out of the time she had. Wendy didn’t have a negative, or complaining bone in her body. Her stoicism, bravery, strength of character and love of life were totally inspirational. To the point she died in August 2010, she remained just as interested in the lives of others, always seeing the best in people. She never wanted to swap her lot with someone more fortunate. I lost count of the times she turned to me and said “Aren’t we so lucky to have our lives and lovely home”. Indeed, such was the stuff she was made of that she never complained about the pain and discomfort she experienced throughout the duration of her illness.

She was talented in so many ways, lived and loved life to the full, and inspired through her vibrance of spirit and positive outlook. Her incredible strength of character made it easier for the rest of us to endure the last few years of her life, and in the end, she passed with dignity and grace. We all miss her, but none more than me. She loved me unconditionally, and will be in my heart forever. Steve Cootes, July 2012