Bente was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in May 2021. She fought the disease with dignity, courage and a stubborn determination that she would be in control until the end and, for the most part, she was.

The day following her devastating diagnosis, Bente received a call from Kate Barber, MND Coordinator for East Suffolk. The advice, support and friendship given to Bente, Andy, Bianca and Anna by Kate and Gill Solway, Association Visitor for East Suffolk, was absolutely incredible.  MND is complicated with several variations and is still little understood by medical professionals outside this particular field of expertise.  Kate has an incredible amount of knowledge,  experience and understanding of the disease and was invaluable in advising all those involved in Bente's care.

When Bente decided that the time had come to end her suffering, she moved into St Elizabeth Hospice in Ipswich.  Once again, everyone there involved in her care treated her with respect, kindness and dignity.  At all times, they were as considerate of the family's needs as they were of Bente's.

Bente died peacefully, as was her wish, on 21st December 2023.

As an expression of their thanks and gratitude, Bente and her family would like to ask for donations to be made in her memory to the MND Association and St Elizabeth Hospice.  Both are charities which rely on donations to enable them to provide this incredible support and anything you can give will be much appreciated.

If you would like to leave a tribute to Bente, or a particular memory you have of her, we would love to hear it.