Ellen

"My dad’s mum died before I was born, but she had such a huge impact on him and his siblings that it didn’t matter that I never knew her because I feel like I got to know her through them.

"I grew up hearing stories of my dad and his family’s life with her and how much of a wonderful and kind person she was to everyone she met. When I turned 21 my aunt sent over her usual present of some money and an unexpected little box.

"My grandma’s brooch was in the box. A little piece of her. It’s such a small piece but it never fails to make me smile. I don’t wear it as often as I’d like, losing it would be heart breaking; but when I do it’s always with a camel coat like she did."

Photos: Elise Tel