Devils on the doorstep

Janet Crowther Hindley, 62, Brierfield, Lancashire

Handing my mum Dorothy, 84, a mug of tea, I watched her scroll through photos on her phone.

It was October 2020 and, to Mum, her mobile was a lifeline.

A way to stay in touch with family and friends, as well as keep precious memories alive. ‘Got a good one?’ I asked, peering over her shoulder and seeing an image of me and my husband Stephen, then 58, at a family barbecue.

‘One of my faves,’ Mum beamed.

I felt a pang of warmth.

Me and Stephen had been married 31 years.

A long time, but