Messages of Condolence

Dear Louise,

We, like many others, are left wondering why this happened to you, perhaps one day we will know. You were a good reliable friend who enjoyed a laugh and a joke and shared the same sense of humour as ourselves. You would be very proud of your family and how they are coping with this great loss, but this, of course, is down to their upbringing.

We were privileged to have known you and you will be greatly missed.

With love, Keith, Sue, Olivia, Coco and Naomi Watts.

"Hi Louise - Stephen here"

I'm finding this all very difficult Louise, cannot believe I'll never hear your cheerie voice saying "come in Steve, the kettle's on, I'll make us a cup of tea", when I knock on the back door. Doesn't seem possible that we'll never sit round the kitchen table talking about Nigel and the kids, what Debra has been up to, running on about our dogs, cats and your chickens.

Our friendship that has grown over the years is something I will always treasure. Anyway Louise, must go, see you later.

Missing you loads. Love Steve xx

As a family, we just saw your brave appearance on Look East tonight Nigel.

Although we obviously never knew Louise, your story touched our hearts – and our thoughts and prayers go out to her and your family.

I am not normally one who trumpets causes and charities – I usually give anonymously and quietly. However, your charity deserves to be publicised. Our family will send a cheque tomorrow, and I will publicise your charity as much as I can amongst friends and colleagues.

I have experienced first hand the kindness of the Thai people, and I know that they deserve much more than life has chosen to give many of them.

I hope that your charity is successful in your quest, and our thoughts go out to you and your family.

God Bless.

Andrew Mogford

I just want to send my condolences at the sad loss of your wife. My heart goes out to all the families caught up in the Tsunami disaster.

I like you am a young widow. I lost my husband, aged 36, 4 years ago while he was trekking in south America.

Since Ian died myself and my children, who are now 4 and 10, have received such a lot of help from an organisation called WAY (widowed and young) who are a national charity. You may in time need the company of others who have been widowed young so I will give you their web site details should you need it any time.

www.wayfoundation.org.uk

My very best wishes to you and your children.

Sharon

Dear Nigel and children,

It has taken me this long to be able to write to you all, and send my condolences. I have happy memories of Louise, Emily and Ben when they came to nursery in Dereham. I don't know your younger children but I'm sure they are as lovely as Emily and Ben.

My thoughts are with you all and I know what a special mummy you had and she will always have a special place in peoples hearts.

Wendy Hogan.

To Nigel, Emily, Ben, Michael and Katie,

Our hearts and thoughts go out to you all at the sad loss of Louise and to all those who have lost loved ones as a result of the tsunami.

Love Tina, Robbie, April, Joanna and Kate Ellerbrook.

Heh Louise ... just thought I'd update you!

At the memorial yesterday, you'd have been so proud of the gang!

Katie was the pretty little princess, all in pink and she read a beautiful message to you (but you know that!) Mike was as cool as ever, and for Mike even looked pretty smart! Ben looked so smart in his suit and me thinks that one or two young ladies were casting an eye in his direction! And young Emily ... WOW! She looked stunning and the message she read to you and the poem she recited, left no-one in the house with a dry eye!

As for the big guy (well as we both know he's never been that big, something he's bound to refute!) well he was fantastic looking after the gang! And guess what, he bought yet another new suit for the occasion ... what a surprise!!!

Then it was back to yours for a celebration. For someone who thought they hadn't too many friends, you did pretty well, with many many people talking about the great times they'd had with you over the years.

As per usual at yours, the wine flowed, the food was fantastic and the company excellent. The usual reprebates didn't let you down and many had to be asked to leave ... you know who they are!!!

But do you know what my luv, the only thing missing was the guest of honour ... and that as always is YOU!

We miss you so much but will look after the gang for you and won't let you down ...

All my love and thank you for everything ...

BBJ

Dear Nigel and Family

I cant possibly try to image what you all have been through and still going through, but I can say I know Louise is happy where she gone, practicing here tennis and golf, ready for time, when once again, you will all be together again, I really believe that.

We used to play mixed doubles tennis sometimes on Friday night, Louise was great fun to play with, and very patient with our mistakes. Louise will be greatly missed in this world, by all that knew her.

Malcolm

Dear Nigel and children,
W e are very, very sad!
Our hearts and our thoughts are with you.

Our very best wishes to you and love.

Your Marlies and Gerd
from Germany

Dear Nigel,

I don't know if you'll remember our names from the good old GA Golf Tour, but we wanted to tell you that you and your children have been very much in our thoughts of late - we remember lots of laughs with you on the 'Tour' and hope that the natural good humour and positive attitude you brought to your golf will help you all at this time.

We are delighted to contribute to the fund in Louise's name.

With best wishes

Linsay Colville & Susie Fisher.

To the Willgrass family,

I have just been watching GMTV and learned of your tragic loss and your hopes to build a school in Louise's memory.

My heart goes out to you and to all others that have suffered in this tragedy. What a lovely family you are and you must be so proud of your children.

I would love to help you with this appeal and will donate some money via the website.

I wish you all the very best with your appeal and above all, love and best wishes for now and for the future.

A Taylor & Family, Sussex

To Nigel, Emily, Ben, Michael and Katie,

Hello, I have just seen your brave faces looking at me from my TV screen, my family and I would like to offer our sincere condolences, parents always expect their children to outlive them but never under these tragic circumstances....

It's hard for all of you, but be brave and try to keep it together for Louise she will be so proud of what you are doing for her, and others sharing your deep misfortune, my family and myself wish you all the very best for the future and I will be making a donation through paypal, although it will not be a great deal (I have been out of work a year or more with back problems..but there is always a greater need than my own and yours is it)..Every little helps now stay safe and together all the best

KAREN, PAUL, ASHLEY AND LYNDSAY WAREHAM
CHESHIRE

I saw your appeal on television this morning and it touched heart. I was lucky and got my brother back and I can't begin to imagine how you must all be feeling. I wrote this poem for the Thai people who we know and love and I hope it helps you too.

SILENT SORROW

I thought ‘I’ll run away!’
But a voice told me to stay.
What use is there in running?
There will be no answers
At the end of the day.

I thought ‘I’ll hide!’
Lock my feelings inside;
But there is no hiding place
When life’s clock is ticking
For the world outside.

I thought ‘I’ll shout!’
But what have I to shout about
When others bear such sorrow,
When others bear such pain,
And many go without.

Then I thought ‘I’ll cry’
Because I don’t know why
Such awful things can happen
In such a world as this.
Why must people die?

And then I thought ‘I’ll pray’,
And that might take away
The pain I feel inside,
The hurt I can’t control
The words I cannot say
To others who are suffering
In silence!

Jacqui Cockram

I AM TRULY SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR LOSS. May you gain strength from knowing that we are thinking of you. We saw you on G.M.T.V Today (Thursday) and your children are so lovely and they are a credit to you. We are going to donate something towards the school in Phuket in your wifes memory. We are sure it will be a success and also it will be a lovely tribute to your wife. I am sure she would love what you are doing. It is a super idea. We wish you all the best for your future and your lovely children.

Kind regards and love

From Trish and Phil Tatt

(Papworth Everard Cambridgeshire

I saw you and your family on GMTV this morning and I was very moved by your bravery. Even though I never knew Louise I have read the condolence messages on your website and it is obvious that she was a lovely person. It is difficult to comprehend why these disasters happen and why so many people lost their lives so tragically.

I wish you every success for your project and I hope you find comfort at this sad time.

Kay Gascoigne

We would like to say hello to a brave family and how sorry for the loss of your wife and mother. At the time of the disaster we were tending to our dying father who died in the early hours of the 27/12/04 this was also unexpected. there are five sons and daughters all with children. We had decided on no flowers as dad thought them a waste of time and donations were made and split between grandchildren but four of the parents decided that your appeal was more worthy and so we donate most of the money to your school charity in memory of your wife and mother and others who were also lost. Our thoughts and best wishes for the future are with you.

From Anne, Colin & Laura Fowler. Mansfield, Notts.

We saw you on GMTV this morning and were heartbroken to hear of the tragic events of 26th December. What a smashing close family you are. We do believe that Louise is watching over you and she must be so proud of you all. What a wonderful thing you are doing to bring something positive from something so tragic. You are all so brave and obviously a very very loving family. The
school will be built, just wait and see ! Good Luck. We have donated via PayPal.

Barbara, Richard and Ashley Parnell - London

Dear Nigel and your beautiful children. I saw you all on GMTV this morning and want to offer my condolences for your loss. Louise looks so beautiful in the photos. I don't know where you all get the courage to cope with everyday life, let alone starting this fund , but good on you. I wish you every success- I`m sure it will keep you going, but give yourselves time too. Wishing you every success and happiness.
Donation to follow. Wendy , Max and Alex Pentelow.

Dear Mr Willgrass and Family

I'm very sorry for your loss of such a great family member.
My thoughts are with you all.

All the best.
Victoria Boddy

Colney Hall x.x.x

Dear Nigel,
So pleased to have been able to donate to your appeal .I watched your appearance on GMTV in bed with my wife and two boys and we all were choked with tears of saddness and admiration for you all. You are a lovely family and an inspiration to us all, I'm sure Louise is so proud of you.

Please update your website so we can see how your appeal is going, our very best wishes,

James Warne, Old Dalby, Melton Mowbray

To Nigel,Emily,Ben,Katie and Michael.

We saw you on the t.v. yesterday(thurs) and thought how strong you seemed in spite of your tragic lost. Our heartfelt sympathies go

Out to you and your gorgeous children. They are a REAL credit to you. I am sure that Louise would be hugely proud and we are

Sure she would fully approve of what you are doing for all the poor little children. It really pays us to make the most of every day

Because you never know what tomorrow might bring.

Our hearts go out to you and we are thinking of you.

Hope the tennis tournament goes well as I am sure it will. Our love goes out to your truly lovely children and of course to you.

Kindest regards and love

From Trish and Phil Tatt

Dear Mr Willgrass

Saw you and your family on GMTV yesterday. What a lovely, brave family you are. I have made a donation to your fund as I know it will be used for the school and will not swallowed up in admin costs. I hope the school goes well and look forward to seeing news of it on GMTV

Kind regards
Carol & Peter Wood

To nigel and family
I saw you all on GMTV yesterday and was touched by your story. I've been to Thailand many times including 3 times last year. I only came back the last time in November so feel very fortunate. Seeing the tv pictures and hearing the stories made me feel helpless so hearing what you are trying to do is fantastic. The Thai people are amazing and full of humanity so to give something back to them is just reward. Ive donated to your website and wish you every success in reaching your goal.
Be strong and God bless

I never knew Louise and did not even see you on TV but simply through your bravery in telling your family’s story I have now heard of your appeal and will add my donation today. Your story of an ‘ordinary’ family who are also clearly remarkable is an inspiration and a great tribute to Louise as a mother and wife.

Wishing you success in the project.

The Pollard family, Leeds

I saw your appeal on GMTV and it was so moving. Emily, Ben, Michael and Katie are an absolute credit to you and Louise. You are all so brave and I think it's wonderful that you are doing something so positive when you have experienced such a tragedy in your lives.

I'm sure the school will be a huge success and Louise would be so proud of her family.

All the best for the future.

Caroline Clacy

Tunbridge Wells, Kent

To Mr Willgrass and family

How brave and couragous you all are.
My family send you our deepest sympathies, and would also like to wish you every
success in building the school, our donation although not large is sent to you hoping it
can help in some small way.

kind regards

Paula, Mike, Zoe, Rachel Allen, Oxfordshire

We watched you all on GMTV yesterday and immediately recognised you from an ITN news report 12 January. My boyfriend and I were also in Patong on Boxing Day, infact from the pictures shown, we stayed at the same hotel (Merlin Beach Resort). By some act of fate we were both unharmed.

I haven't written anything like this before, so I'm struggling trying to find the right words but we both wish you all the very best for the future. We've also experienced the kindness and generosity of the Thai people and think it's a lovely idea to build a school in Louise's memory. Our donation will follow and our thoughts will always be with you.

Louise & Brian
County Durham

Dear Willgrass family,

I watched you all on GMTV this morning before leaving for work, and was touched by your amazing bravery and fortitude. I knew I had to support your appeal and donate. Louise would, I am sure, be immensely proud of you all. God Bless.

Derek & Anita, Stowmarket, Suffolk.

I am so sorry for your loss. I was caught up in the tsunami as well

From Adam Oku

I have finally got round to finding your contact address. You have been in my mind since I saw you all on TV on Thursday. I thought you were a wonderful family & Louise would be so proud. I think what you are all doing is wonderful & I will send a donation. I want to do something to make a differance & your project is exactly what I would want to do. Good Luck & keep us updated.

With Love to you all
Roger & Chris Orme

Nigel, Emily, Ben, Michael and Katie,

My thoughts will always be with you all.
Im now truly regretting all the times i have driven past your house on the way home from work and i never called in to say hi and have a good catch up, with the thought that id do it another day, when i had more time. Im just thankful that BB and Paul's wedding provided me with the chance to explain my absence for all that time, and that you were all never far from my thoughts.
The time i spent helping your mum look after you all were truly the best years of my life.
I remember fondly many an afternoon sitting round the kitchen table chatting to your mum about my latest boyfriend and more often the latest broken heart!!!!!!.

Much love
Hugs and kisses
Lynzi x

Dear Nigel and brave lovely children,

Like a church candle light that never goes out, your story is constantly on my mind. I have the greatest admiration for you, Nigel, for the courage you have shown. What an overwhelming and warming response there has been from the public.

My father lost his parents in an accident when he was only 10 but he grew up with a certain inner strength that was the making of him. He is the man I admire and respect most of all. It's a shame but sometimes true, that through devastation follows enormous beauty. That beauty is often there, but it takes faith and strength to find it, and indeed you have.

I can't imagine the pain that your family is learning to cope with resulting from Louise's loss, but let's thank God that the children were spared one parent. The warmth of your embrace will always remind them of her.

In my small way I am organising a fund raising event of 17 March and will send the proceeds to you. Those involved are keen with the idea and join me in sending you all their respects at this difficult time. I'd love to meet you one day...

Vanessa Wills

Dear Nigel & Family,

Watching you and your family on GMTV was nothing short of tear jerking the courage those children showed on tv made me see how proud you and your children were of Louise,and that no matter what love stays with you forever.

As one of many Australian's living in the UK i felt i had to take the opportunity to send my heart felt symapthy to you and your family. One can only say how sorry they are so many times when such devestating news hits.

I wish you all the best for the fund and will see to it that i can gather some fellow Aussie's in the UK to help support this wonderful cause.

Shea O'Grady
(Melbourne, Australia-living in the UK)

Dear Auntie Louise and Godfather Nigel

Thank you for my Christmas presents. I love the clothes.

I am going to go to Norwich to see Nigel and the children and I am sorry that you will not be there but I will give my Godfather a big HUG.

love from amy knowles.xxx

Dear Auntie Louise and Nigel

Hello
I wish you could be still here. I will play football with Michael.

You were always very kind to me and I will miss you.

love Adam Knowles xxxxxxxxxx

(age 7)

Nigel, Emily, Ben, Michael and Katie,

And to all who have given their time, thought and love as well as money to help those affected by this disaster, in memory of Louise, I offer my personal congratulations. She was a lucky and special lady to have touched so many hearts and I hope she knew it in life, just as her family does now, after her death. This is not just about Louise, it is about the whole Willgrass family I think, and their support of each other in carrying on without her. They too are lucky to have such true and devoted friends and family, helping them ensure something good comes out of something dreadful. Louise's death is a tragedy. This fund-raising project does not make losing Louise any better, but it might just make it 'less worse'.

Sue, and family.

Dear Nigel, Emily, Ben, Michael and Katie,

I am so sorry it has taken me so long to get in touch. I guess I keep thinking its all a bad dream and soon we will wake up and everything will be ok again.

I have such wonderful happy memories of the months I spent living with you and taking care of Emily, Ben and Michael, and my one regret is that I didnt stay in touch as much as promised.
It was great to see Louise at Belindas wedding last year, I told your mum you were gorgeous Ben, and she agreed! I was pregnant at the time and now have a baby Ben of my own!
You were wonderful small children (if a bit of a handful at times!) and I have heard from lots of people that you are turning into wonderful adults (Em and Ben)

You have all been remarkably brave and I hope you all have the strength to carry on and live life to the full.

I am always thinking about you all.
With Love
Julia (furze)

Nigel, Emily, Ben, Michael and Katie

We heard of your tragic loss on GMTV and wish to send you our thoughts and prayers to a wonderful family. Immediately after your tragic loss you all put aside your heartache and started to think of ways you could help those who helped you in a tragic disaster. It's quite infectious, as we the public also want to help you and other people who have suffered loss or pain in the Indian Ocean.

Your website is very informative and wish you the best of support with your fund raising. We will be sending our donation via cheque to your charity. This comes with our love and in memory of Louise through the eyes of all the children in Patong, Phuket.

Stephen & Joan, Andrew & Oliver Walters (DURHAM)

Nigel, Emily, Ben, Michael and Katie

We heard of your tragic loss on GMTV and wish to send you our thoughts and prayers to a wonderful family. Immediately after your tragic loss you all put aside your heartache and started to think of ways you could help those who helped you in a tragic disaster. It's quite infectious, as we the public also want to help you and other people who have suffered loss or pain in the Indian Ocean.

Your website is very informative and wish you the best of support with your fund raising. We will be sending our donation via cheque to your charity. This comes with our love and in memory of Louise through the eyes of all the children in Patong, Phuket.

Stephen & Joan, Andrew & Oliver Walters (DURHAM)