I first knew Gina back in the 1990s when I came to Winchester to study for a teaching degree and we graduated in the same year. It took me a while to settle into Winchester Family Church as it was then called (Hope Church now) but Gina was always a welcoming presence, and I was often invited back to her house for Sunday lunch. What a feast Sunday lunches were! Just when you thought you'd eaten enough food, out would come the cheese board and chocolates! She was always so generous and the perfect hostess.

We shared many happy times together at church holiday clubs, Stoneleigh Bible week, in home group and most memorably when we went on a mission together at a South African orphanage.  More recently we enjoyed times out over coffee or lunch (always accompanied by her beloved dog Olivia). 

I loved Gina's big heart for others. She was always giving out.

She often challenged me to move beyond my comfort zone and step out in faith (in her very South African direct way of speaking!)

I will miss her greatly but I so look forward to seeing her again one day in glory.