This tribute is to celebrate the life of Julie Bell, beloved mother of Cassie, treasured partner of Alan, dear sister of Joanne, Peter and Anthony, dear daughter of the late Colin and May, and a much loved aunt. Special is a word that is used to describe something, one-of-a-kind, like a hug or a beautiful sunset or a person who spreads love with a smile or a kind gesture. Special describes people who act from the heart and keep in mind the hearts of others. Special applies to something that is admired and precious and which can never be replaced. Special is the word that best describes Julie, a very special mother, partner, sister and auntie. Julie Bell was born in Middlesbrough on July 13th 1968, the third of four children born to her parents Colin and May, having two elder brothers Peter and Anthony and a younger sister Joanne. Julie was raised in the town and had a normal happy childhood, doing all the usual things young girls do. She attended the local schools, her infant years being spent at Archibald Primary School then to Marton-Grove Junior, Brookside Secondary and finally to Springfield School to complete her education. She excelled at English and harboured a desire to become a journalist but at the age of 16 she decided to leave and began to look for work. Sister Joanne describes her as a quiet and reserved child. The only real time Joanne can recall Julie losing her temper when they were young was when Joanne " borrowed" her bike. The bike was a birthday present Julie had just received. She left for school as normal and Joanne followed - on the new bike - to say that Julie was not pleased is an understatement! During their teenage years there was some sibling rivalry between the sisters, but as they grew older, they also grew closer. Following her school years she was to hold a number of jobs. One of her first was with Weschenfelders meat factory, followed by a time with Crown Bingo, Maureens Fruit and Veg shop and eventually working for Jeans Kitchen, where she gained the nickname of "Precious". Julie loved going out and enjoying herself and in her early twenties, during her time with Crown Bingo, she was to meet Derek. They entered into a relationship and although it was not to last, she was blessed with a daughter, Cassie. She became her life, she was the apple of her eye and Julie was an absolute pushover where Cassie was concerned. Cassie describes Julie as a brilliant mum, firm but fair and tolerant to a point. However, Cassie could always tell when her mums patience had run out and the best thing to do was run! Julie was a very loving and caring person, fiercely protective of her daughter and woe-betide anyone who upset her. Cassie was the apple of her mums eye, from the second she was born she was embraced with nothing but love and pride - she could walk on water and could do no wrong in Julies eyes. Cassie knew Julie would take on the world single-handedly if she thought it was needed or, if she fell down her mum would always be there to pick her up without judgement or reproach. In 1998, whilst on a night out at the Red Rose in Linthorpe Village with her friends Maureen and Kendra, Julie met Alan, he was a regular patron, especially on Friday karaoke nights which she also enjoyed. They hit it off straight away and have been together ever since. It was a brilliant relationship, they were very happy and did everything together. They enjoyed many holidays together and Alan recalls that one of the best they had was in Stalis on Crete. They hired pedal bikes and spent nearly the entire two weeks cycling all over and had a brilliant time. Closer to home, one of Julies favourite places to visit was to Alans brothers home in Staithes for a day out. They were both sociable people and had a shared love of music. Alan dragged Julie all over the country to listen to various bands, her favourites being Elton John and U2. In St Hildas chapel at the crematorium on the occasion of Julies funeral, her partner Alan led the assembled family and mourners in one of Julies favourite songs from the karaoke nights, U2's With or Without You. How can I describe Julie? She was an independant woman who knew her own mind, she could be outspoken, called a spade a spade and did not suffer fools gladly. She was an outgoing, fun-loving woman, a woman who had a good sense of humour and enjoyed having a good laugh. She was honest and trustworthy, a woman who was very loyal to her friends and who would never betray anyones trust. She was a woman who would do anything for anyone and once she made a friend of you, would be your friend for life. She was the very heart of her family. She was very proud of her daughter and how she has progressed in life. Although she preferred to dress casually, she was a smart woman, always well turned out and never being seen in public unless her hair was perfect and with her make-up on. She enjoyed crime dramas on TV, anything to do with CSI, House or The Mentalist being her favourites. She also liked reading, particularly true-life stories whether in a magazine or in a book. For most of her life Julie had enjoyed good health until, in 2007 she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She faced this devastating news with dignity and courage and following surgery she began treatment to try to bring it under control. She continued with her life as normal, nothing fazed her and she took her treatment in her stride and appeared to be progressing well until, in the middle of 2009, she was given the news that it had returned. Approximately four months ago Julies health began to deteriorate rapidly and last month she had to be admitted to hospital, but not before Julie and Alan were sent on holiday to Fuerteventura in the Canaries, paid for by a most generous collection by the staff of the Inn Shops in Dundas Arcade in which Jeans Kitchen, where Julie worked, was situated. This was to be Julies final foreign holiday. One thing that Julie hadn't been to keen on (although she secretly liked him really), was an animation based stuffed dog of Alans called Vince. He always sat on Alans bed, he signed her birthday cards and even wanted to go on holiday with them - she drew the line at this! He did however go into hospital with her and was beside her when, on 29th of August 2010, Julie Bell died peacefully in James Cook University Hospital, Ward 2, side room 6. Julies death although expected, was sudden and she may have left this world in the physical sense but she will always remain in the hearts and minds of the people who loved her and the people whose lives she touched. Her family and friends will all have their own fond and happy memories of Julie and what she brought to their lives and that is what they must focus on now she has passed on, honour Julies memory with a smile. R.I.P. Julie Bell, you were one in a million.