WHEN Alice Sheppard was suddenly taken ill friends started working on a quilt for her to let her know how much she was loved.

Sadly the 43-year-old mum to five never lived to see the finished article but it has now been presented to her mother, Sandy Gentles, as a lasting keepsake.

Friend Emma Steel said: "When Alice suddenly became ill I had an idea to let her know how much so many people loved her and wanted her to get well soon.

"I asked her friends from around the world who wished to send me a sample of fabric to include in a handmade quilt.

"My idea was that soon after she was discharged from hospital she would have this gift and while she rested and recovered and felt frustrated at having to take things slow, as Alice was a crazily busy and active person, she would have this reminder of all the love and friendship for her.

"We are all so utterly sad that Alice wasn't discharged to recover. Alice lost her fight and we lost our lovely friend.

"We carried on with her quilt and pledged it to her mum. We had some lovely evenings together, and worked separately as well.

"The love and tears in it are immeasurable."

Emma presented the quilt to Alice's mum, Sandy – on her birthday – at the Woodman Inn in Parkend.

Alice's daughters, Zoe, Kira and Paige and Lydia and Ellie Snook – the children of her partner Neil, were also given quilted gifts made by Emma.