A mother-of-two from Bourne has left a legacy of poems which will take readers on her cancer journey

The hopes and dreams of a mother-of-two from Bourne who died just two weeks before her 39th birthday have been left behind for future generations.

Family and friends of Heidi Rock met at Bourne Abbey Church yesterday to remember the former children's social worker who fought two spells of breast cancer that were diagnosed within five years of each other.

A former activities co-ordinator with deafblind charity Sense, Mrs Rock spent the last two years of her life writing poems that have been published in three books, two of which are now available.

The Life and Times of a Meandering Mind, along with The Little Pirate of the Big C and the Poetry of Grief, give readers a chance to learn Mrs Rock's thoughts about life, love, family and mortality.

Two weeks before her death on September 17, Mrs Rock said: "I've got a lot out of writing and I'm thrilled with the books because I'm always aware that my timetable may be short.

"The three books are my legacy and I really just want to inspire hope, especially to those on a cancer journey.

"It's given me lots to live for, as well as to see my children grow for as many days as I can."

Denise Singleton, Mrs Rock's mother, said: "Heidi was a warrior and so inspirational in that she wanted to be strong for everybody else.

"She didn't like to see people crying, although there were times when all she wanted to do was to sit and cry.

"But because she had always been good at writing and art, she spent the last two years of her life writing poems.

"I don't know where all the words came from and how anybody could write so beautifully is beyond me."

Mrs Rock was born in Stamford but then moved to Bourne where she attended what is now Bourne Westfield Primary Academy before going on to Bourne Grammar School.

Her father Stephen Singleton said: "Heidi learned to play the cello and piano, she was very artistic and an exceptional runner.

"But she was also quirky, very individual and got into punk, asking for her first pair of Dr Marten's boots when she was 13.

"Then she got married and had her children after doing her A-Levels, going on later to get a social work degree."

Mrs Rock went on to join the women's RugbyFit group at Bourne Rugby Club where, in March 2016, a £10,000 fundraising campaign was launched to help pay for cancer treatment at the Budwig Alternative Cancer Treatment Centre in Spain.

Mrs Singleton said: "All the messages we got from people after Heidi passed away said what an inspiration she was and how could she keep on fighting and stay strong.

"Heidi always thought that she should have been poet when she got her space at the pet shop in Bourne, she was so proud because it had her work there.

"She loved Charlie, her black labrador, to bits and she always thought of him as being her boy."

Mr Singleton said: "There was always something for her to do and she was always a busy person, rather than a watching person.

"Heidi never, ever gave up and everybody admired her for that."

RugbyFit member Hannah Clark said: "Heidi was one of the original members of the initiative that was started to get women from the Bourne area into rugby.

"She was super fit, enthusiastic and a joy to spend the sessions with.

"Unfortunately, following an injury, she had to withdraw and following her cancer diagnosis was unable to rejoin us.

"However, Heidi's spirit remained undiminished and, in 2016, she took part in the Team Heidi versus The Rest Of The World touch rugby match at the club, despite her illness obviously causing her mobility problems.

"Looking back at the photographs from that day, Heidi's beautiful, cheery smile is evident throughout and this is something we will all remember her for.

"The bravery and determination with which she fought her long battle against cancer have been incredible.

"Heidi is an inspiration to us all and I consider myself lucky to have been introduced to her through the club.

"The thoughts of everyone at Bourne Rugby Club are with Heidi's family and friends as they come to terms with losing such a kind-hearted and thoughtful person.

"May Heidi rest in peace."

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