DI POTTERTON

Published on 20/09/2024

Di Potterton 23.2.56 to 13.9.24 Di had been suffering seriously with ME for many years but, when it became possible, she took up rollerblading at the same time as I did, meeting at Rollerworld in Colchester. After a while she came to live with me, Michael Heap, then at The Round House (later at Round House Farm next door) in Havering-atte-Bower, now almost 25 years ago. Her health remarkably improved, she put heart and soul into what was a huge task of cleaning and tidying the very large old house and then the garden. A couple of years later the farm needed a yard manager to look after the horses stabled here. Once again having to start from a very dilapidated base, and although having neither management experience nor special knowledge of horses, she did care hugely about animals. She was very honest, also forthright and determined. With many ups and downs, she improved the yard and its facilities until all the ramshackle buildings had been put into good repair and reliable staff were in place. Di then had two bad bouts of Covid, before it was really recognised, followed by the diagnosis of lung cancer at the start of 2022. After doses of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, she continued to soldier on even when confined to bed. Her close active interest in the yard continued till the very end. I had a fabulous partner in every way and many horses and horse owners have greatly appreciated her efforts. She died quietly. Such a strong character, we will all miss her greatly, her sister and brother-in-law, their extended families and all of us at the yard in Havering-atte-Bower.

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